Attacks on Israeli Football Fans in Amsterdam – Officials says

Riot police intervened multiple times to protect Israeli football fans in Amsterdam, who were targeted in a series of attacks, according to officials.

Prime Minister Dick Schoof condemned the “antisemitic attacks,” while Israel’s military described the incidents as “severe and violent” actions against Israelis.

Despite a heavy police presence, authorities confirmed that Israeli fans were injured in multiple areas across the Dutch capital. The supporters, who had traveled to Amsterdam to watch a Europa League match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax, found themselves caught in violent confrontations.

Amsterdam police have launched an investigation into the series of violent incidents, resulting in the arrest of 62 individuals.

Authorities reported that five people were hospitalized due to the attacks. While police were aware of reports suggesting a “possible hostage situation” and missing persons, no official confirmation of these claims has been made.

Prime Minister Schoof expressed his horror at the events, revealing that he had spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He assured that authorities would work to track down and prosecute those responsible for the attacks.

The national co-ordinator for combating antisemitism in the Netherlands, meanwhile, said a line had been crossed and the “readiness to commit such violence was disgusting”.

The head of the Netherlands’ Central Jewish Committee (CJO) accused taxi drivers of helping to whip up the violence. “They moved in groups and cornered their targets. Videos are circulating of assaults and attempts to run over Israelis,” Chanan Hertzberger said.

Israeli airline El Al said it was operating two “rescue flights” to Amsterdam to bring passengers back to Israel. That was after after Netanyahu cancelled plans to send two military planes.

There had already been arrests and trouble in Dam Square ahead of the match involving Maccabi fans and pro-Palestinian protesters, and there were reports of supporters setting off fireworks and tearing down a Palestinian flag on a nearby street. One unverified video showed fans going down an escalator chanting anti-Arab slogans.

But the unrest grew after the game. Police said it was unclear who had taken part in the riots, telling local media that those involved were wearing dark clothing.

Several videos circulated on social media, with one showing a man being kicked and beaten on the ground and another showing someone being run over. In some videos, people could be heard shouting pro-Palestinian slogans, although the footage has not been verified by the BBC.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog spoke of a “pogrom” against Maccabi fans and Israeli citizens. Dutch anti-Islam politician Geert Wilders who leads the biggest party in parliament also spoke of a pogrom, saying “authorities will be held accountable for their failure to protect the Israeli citizens”.

Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema had initially attempted to prevent unrest by relocating pro-Palestinian protesters from the Johan Cruyff Arena. However, reports from the Netherlands indicated that a large group later tried to approach the stadium, only to be halted by riot police.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed trust in Dutch authorities to “protect, locate, and rescue all Israelis and Jews under attack” in a post on X. Meanwhile, Israeli officials advised citizens to stay in their hotels, with public broadcaster Kan citing the foreign ministry’s report of losing contact with three individuals.

The US Special Envoy on Antisemitism, Deborah Lipstadt, condemned the attacks, calling them “terribly reminiscent of a classic pogrom.” She expressed deep concern over the duration of the violence, highlighting that it occurred just days before the anniversary of the Nazi pogrom against Jews in Germany in November 1938.

The Dutch coordinator against antisemitism described the violence as both “horrific and shameful,” especially given its timing on the eve of the 1938 commemorations.