AMSTERDAM, Netherlands – In the wake of violent attacks against Israeli football fans in Amsterdam, Dutch King Willem-Alexander has voiced his support for the Jewish community in the Netherlands, emphasising that “Jewish people must feel safe in the Netherlands, everywhere and at all times.”
The incidents, marked by escalating antisemitic violence, have drawn condemnation from leaders worldwide and prompted swift action from Dutch authorities.
Violence erupted Thursday night when Israeli football fans, in Amsterdam to support Maccabi Tel Aviv in a Europa League match against Ajax, became targets of “hit-and-run” attacks.
Authorities reported that youths on scooters coordinated assaults on the visiting fans, leading to at least 62 arrests.
Five individuals were hospitalised, and others sustained minor injuries, with some victims describing attacks involving kicks, punches, and fireworks.
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, who returned early from an EU summit in Budapest, pledged to pursue and prosecute the perpetrators.
Meanwhile, Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema expressed her “deep shame” over the violence, calling it an “embarrassment” to the city.
She confirmed that additional incidents had occurred prior to the game, including clashes involving both Maccabi fans and pro-Palestinian demonstrators.
Kristallnacht Anniversary and International Reactions
The attacks occurred on the eve of Kristallnacht commemorations, a poignant anniversary of the 1938 Nazi pogroms against German Jews.
The timing has amplified the shock and outrage, with U.S. President Joe Biden drawing historical parallels, warning that the attacks “echo dark moments in history when Jews were persecuted.”
Israeli President Isaac Herzog condemned the violence as a “pogrom” against Maccabi fans and Israeli citizens. Herzog voiced his confidence in Dutch authorities to “protect, locate, and rescue all Israelis and Jews under attack.”
In response to the violence, Israeli airline El Al organised free “rescue flights” for Israeli fans, with planes arriving in Israel on Friday, where returning passengers were greeted by reporters eager to hear their accounts.
Security Concerns Across Europe and Calls for Unity
The violence in Amsterdam has raised alarms about potential risks for Israeli fans at other events across Europe.
In Bologna, Italy, heightened security was deployed for an Israeli basketball team playing a EuroLeague game against Virtus Bologna.
Italian authorities provided special security to Israeli players and spectators, with Bologna’s police chief leading escort efforts.
At the same time, Israel’s National Security Council has advised citizens to avoid attending sporting events and public gatherings in European cities where similar actions could arise.
Following reports that some individuals involved in the Amsterdam riots coordinated through Telegram, the messaging app announced it had shut down a group chat associated with the violence.
Community Reactions and Calls for Peace
In the Netherlands, national antisemitism coordinator Eddo Verdoner condemned the incident, decrying the “disgusting” rise in violence and calling for firm action.
The Dutch Central Jewish Committee (CJO) reported that taxi drivers in the city were involved in the attacks, with some coordinating to surround their targets.
Mayor Halsema dismissed speculation that the violence was tied to broader Middle East tensions, asserting that it stemmed from “pure hatred.”
During a press conference, she revealed that social media platforms, including Telegram, were used to incite violence, with users exchanging messages about “hunting down Jews.”
The mayor’s sentiments were echoed by community members like Alexander van Stokkum, who attended a peaceful vigil on Friday night to call for unity.
Van Stokkum noted, “It’s essential that Amsterdam stands against hate and violence, no matter the background or the nationality involved.”
A Broader Call to Action
The unrest in Amsterdam has prompted broader questions about the safety of Jewish and Israeli communities in Europe.
King Willem-Alexander and other leaders have reiterated their commitment to preventing further antisemitic violence and ensuring security at public events.
With escalating tensions, officials have called for vigilance to avoid a repeat of the horrific events that occurred in the Dutch capital.
As authorities proceed with investigations, communities across the Netherlands and Europe are grappling with the resurgence of targeted violence.
For many, this episode has underscored the need for strengthened protections for vulnerable groups and a renewed commitment to peace, tolerance, and justice in the face of hatred.
