Violent confrontations erupted in Amsterdam following the Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv, with pro-Palestinian youths reportedly attacking Israeli fans. Eyewitness accounts detailed assaults by masked individuals, while some Israeli supporters were also seen engaging in provocative acts. Authorities arrested around 62 individuals amid rising tensions, including ten suspects linked to the assaults. Israeli officials condemned the violence, calling it a “hunt for Jews,” while Dutch leaders denounced the incidents as anti-Semitic, prompting increased security measures in the city.
Violent Clashes After Europa League Match
Following the Europa League match between Ajax Amsterdam and Maccabi Tel Aviv on Thursday night, reports emerged of pro-Palestinian youths allegedly assaulting fans as they made their way back to the city center. Eyewitnesses from Israel described harrowing experiences, including being pursued, beaten, and kicked by masked individuals. In a joint statement, the city and police confirmed that these youths had “actively sought out Israeli fans to attack and mistreat them.” However, witnesses also noted that some Israeli fans engaged in provocative behavior, with online videos showing them removing Palestinian flags from buildings and shouting derogatory slogans.
Escalating Tensions and Arrests
Even prior to the match, tensions flared as clashes occurred between Israeli football fans and law enforcement in the city center. Police reported the arrest of approximately ten individuals for public disorder and possession of fireworks. Additional confrontations took place near the stadium before the game, with around 200 demonstrators attempting to reach the venue, according to police sources.
In the aftermath of the attacks on Israeli supporters in Amsterdam, estimates suggest that 20 to 30 individuals suffered injuries, most of which were minor. Five fans required hospital treatment but have since been discharged, as confirmed by Amsterdam’s Mayor, Femke Halsema, during a press briefing. Currently, ten suspects remain in custody, including two minors, with a total of 62 arrests made during the unrest. The public prosecutor’s office has vowed to thoroughly investigate and pursue all individuals involved in the violence.
The violent events have sparked significant outrage in Israel, with politicians condemning the incidents as a “hunt for Jews.” The Israeli government plans to dispatch two planes to retrieve Maccabi supporters. Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, traveled to Amsterdam to engage with Dutch government representatives. Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed his grave concern over the situation, urging the Dutch authorities to take decisive action against the perpetrators and to safeguard Israeli citizens.
In the Netherlands, political leaders also expressed their dismay. Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof cut short his participation in an EU summit in Budapest to address the situation. On social media, he labeled the attacks as “anti-Semitic” and described them as “unacceptable.” Mayor Halsema characterized the night as a “deep black night” and a “shame for Amsterdam,” noting that fans faced harassment and were targeted with fireworks in multiple locations throughout the city. In response to the unrest, the city has implemented stringent security measures to protect Israelis and Jewish individuals in Amsterdam. Dutch King Willem-Alexander also weighed in, emphasizing that Jews must feel secure in the Netherlands, stating, “We embrace them and will not let go.”