Israel sends rescue planes after football fans attacked by mob in Amsterdam
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Following a football match in Amsterdam, rioters specifically targeted supporters of Israel for violence. In response, Israel announced that it would be dispatching aircraft to the Dutch capital to bring fans back home.
A number of Israeli supporters were hurt during the violent events on Thursday night, which leaders from both the Netherlands and Israel denounced as antisemitic. Dutch authorities reported that five individuals were hospitalized due to their injuries, and 62 people were arrested.
According to a statement from the Amsterdam city government, police, and public prosecution, the period following the Europa League game between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv at the Johan Cruyff Arena was chaotic, with multiple violent incidents targeting Maccabi fans.
According to a statement from Amsterdam, various locations in the city saw attacks on supporters. Police had to step in multiple times to ensure the safety of Israeli fans and guide them back to their hotels. Even with a strong police presence, some Israeli supporters were still harmed. The statement emphasized that this aggression towards Israeli supporters is intolerable and cannot be justified in any form. There is absolutely no justification for the antisemitic actions displayed by those rioters who specifically targeted Israeli supporters to attack them.
A fan shared their concerns with Dutch state broadcaster NOS, saying, “We don’t feel safe... We come to enjoy the game, but I can’t believe what transpired here. I’m here on vacation, yet it felt like a battlefield.” Footage circulating on social media captured people fleeing in the streets and a man being assaulted, with some of the assailants yelling “Free Palestine.”
There were several events involving fans before the game. According to NOS, a Palestinian flag was torn down from a building in the city's center, and riot police prevented pro-Palestinian demonstrators from proceeding toward the stadium where the match was taking place.
Officials announced that additional police officers will be deployed throughout the city in the upcoming days, and security measures will be strengthened at Jewish organizations. This city has a significant Jewish population and is notable for being the residence of Anne Frank and her family, who sought refuge from the Nazi occupation during World War II.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed that two rescue aircraft be dispatched to Amsterdam following the outbreak of violence, even though the city's mayor, Femke Halsema, had prohibited a pro-Palestinian protest near the stadium. She was concerned that it could lead to confrontations between demonstrators and fans of the Israeli team.
In a statement denouncing the attack, Mr. Netanyahu’s office remarked: “The prime minister considers this terrible event very serious and insists that the Dutch authorities and law enforcement respond decisively and swiftly to the rioters, while also safeguarding the well-being of our citizens.”
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof expressed his shock at the violence on X, stating that he was watching the reports unfold with a sense of dread.
“Totally intolerable antisemitic assaults on Israelis. I’ve been in frequent communication with all parties involved,” he said, mentioning that he had discussions with Mr. Netanyahu and “stressed that those responsible will be found and held accountable. Currently, the situation in the capital is calm.”
Israel's Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa'ar, is making an important diplomatic trip to the Netherlands, according to reports from Israeli news outlets. Previously, Mr. Sa'ar described the recent attack as a critical warning for Europe and the global community.
Nations that value freedom and democracy must not permit unchecked hatred to circulate in their communities without consequences. History has demonstrated that when persecution and violence start targeting Jews, it rarely stops there.
Geert Wilders, the head of the far-right Party for Freedom, which secured victory in the Dutch elections last year and is a strong supporter of Israel, responded to a video that seemingly depicts a Maccabi fan being encircled by a group of men.
"It feels like there's a targeted attack on Jewish people occurring in the streets of Amsterdam. We need to apprehend and remove the individuals who assaulted the supporters of Maccabi Tel Aviv from our streets. It's embarrassing that such incidents can happen in the Netherlands. This is completely intolerable," stated Mr. Wilders.
Israeli security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir spoke out against the assaults, saying, “Supporters who attended a soccer match faced antisemitism and experienced brutal attacks solely due to their Jewish identity and connection to Israel,” in a message on X.
Israel's national security department has recommended that people in Amsterdam stay inside their hotels as a safety measure.
The top-selling newspaper, Yedioth Ahronoth, reported comments from Israeli supporters who indicated that the attacks seemed to be premeditated.
President Isaac Herzog joined other high-ranking Israeli officials in asserting that the recent violence brought to mind last year’s assault on Israel by Hamas militants, as well as the historical anti-Semitic violence faced by European Jews during past pogroms.
"This morning, we are struck with disbelief as we witness the disturbing images and videos that we had hoped to never see again since October 7th: a wave of anti-Semitic violence unfolding against Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters and Israeli nationals in the center of Amsterdam,” he stated in a message on the social media platform X.
The Israeli military declared that it has launched a rescue operation, sending medical teams in partnership with the Dutch government.
"The military stated that the operation will utilize cargo planes and will feature teams focused on medical assistance and rescue efforts."
