Antisemitic rioters target Israeli football fans as disorder unfolds in Amsterdam

Dutch authorities report that numerous arrests have occurred after antisemitic rioters deliberately targeted supporters of Israel for assaults following a football match in Amsterdam.

Authorities in the Dutch capital have detained 62 individuals following chaos that erupted during a soccer game between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Five individuals were hospitalized due to the violent clashes that erupted as the two teams competed at the Johan Cruyff Arena, where Ajax secured a decisive 5-0 victory.

At first, Israel announced its intention to deploy military aircraft to Amsterdam to bring fans back home. However, it later opted to use two commercial flights instead.

Videos that circulated on social media depict soccer fans removing a Palestinian flag in the heart of Amsterdam. Additionally, chants containing anti-Arab sentiments were audible.

Other footage depicts large groups of people fleeing along the streets, alongside a scene where a man is being assaulted.

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According to a statement from the police and prosecutors in Amsterdam, the night was quite chaotic, featuring multiple incidents of violence targeted at Maccabi fans.

"The statement indicated that in various locations around the city, fans faced violence."

The police had to step in multiple times to safeguard Israeli supporters and help them reach their hotels. Even with a strong police presence in the area, some Israeli supporters still ended up getting hurt.

This surge of aggression directed at those who support Israel is intolerable and cannot be justified in any manner.

"There is no justification for the antisemitic actions displayed last night by rioters who intentionally targeted and attacked those who support Israel."

The initial arrests occurred just a few hours before the match when fans from Israel congregated in the downtown area.

Subsequent to that, additional arrests were made during a scheduled protest against the arrival of players from the Tel Aviv team. Following the game, troublemakers also focused their aggression on Israeli fans.

Dutch police acknowledged that they had received reports regarding a potential hostage situation, but they have not confirmed that it actually occurred. They also mentioned that several individuals who were previously reported missing have since been located.

Before the match, Maccabi Tel Aviv fans came together at Dam Square in the afternoon. According to the police, about ten individuals were taken into custody for various crimes, including causing disturbances to public order.

At the same time, a scheduled pro-Palestinian rally occurred at Anton de Komplein square, which is about a 15-minute stroll from the Johan Cruyff Arena. Officials had prohibited the organizers from hosting the rally at the arena itself.

Some members of the group attempted to reach the ground but were halted by riot police, who reported being bombarded with fireworks.

Approximately 30 individuals were detained in or around the arena, with the majority charged for disturbing public peace and for possessing or igniting fireworks, according to the statement.

According to the police, supporters exited the arena peacefully following the game, but conflicts occurred in the downtown area later that night.

Clips shared on social media displayed large groups of people fleeing down the streets, along with footage of a man being assaulted.

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Disturbing events have brought back painful memories of antisemitism in Europe.

Thursday night in Amsterdam was marked by violent scenes, with Israeli football fans being pursued, assaulted, and kicked while lying on the ground.

Some videos allegedly depict fans being halted and compelled to present their passports.

It brings back painful memories of antisemitism in Europe, particularly since it coincided with the anniversary of Kristallnacht, also known as the Night of Broken Glass, when the Nazis carried out violent attacks against Jews in 1938.

High-ranking Israeli officials have condemned the violence that occurred last night, labeling it as a coordinated attack against a community. They are urging Dutch authorities to take action and apprehend those involved. So far, 62 individuals have been taken into custody.

The Prime Minister of the Netherlands stated that the attacks were "utterly intolerable."

Earlier in the evening, there was a noticeable amount of tension. Footage shared on social media and confirmed by Sky News depicts Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters pulling down Palestinian flags and shouting anti-Arab chants prior to the game.

There have been accounts indicating that supporters of Israel jeered in the stadium during a moment of silence held for the victims of the floods in Valencia.

The Israeli military has stated that it will not proceed with rescue flights to Amsterdam as initially declared by Benjamin Netanyahu. However, Israeli airlines have been authorized to operate flights on Shabbat later tonight if needed.

Israel's newly appointed foreign minister, Gideon Saar, is said to be on his way to the Dutch city to hold discussions with local officials.

On Friday morning, Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced that the Israeli prime minister had received updates about a "severe violent incident" that occurred in Amsterdam.

Israel's national security ministry advised its citizens in the Dutch city to remain in their hotels, according to the prime minister's office.

Israeli security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir shared on X, "Fans who attended a football match faced anti-Semitism and were subjected to horrific violence solely due to their Jewish identity and connection to Israel."

Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof expressed his strong disapproval of the events in Amsterdam in a post on X, stating that he had been closely monitoring the news.

He mentioned that he had been communicating with Mr. Netanyahu regarding the situation and shared that the city is now "peaceful."

Israeli President Isaac Herzog took to social media platform X to express his distress over the disturbing images and videos emerging this morning. He stated that since October 7th, they had hoped to never witness such scenes again: a wave of anti-Semitic violence targeting Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters and Israeli citizens in the center of Amsterdam.

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Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the European Commission, expressed her anger over the "disgusting attacks" that took place last night in a message on X.

"I firmly denounce these intolerable actions," she stated. "There is no room for antisemitism in Europe. We are committed to battling all kinds of hatred."