Israeli football fans have experienced a series of attacks in central Amsterdam, with officials reporting that riot police had to intervene multiple times to ensure their safety.
Prime Minister Dick Schoof condemned these “antisemitic attacks,” and the Israeli military described them as “severe and violent incidents against Israelis.” Initial plans to deploy “rescue planes” to bring Israelis home were subsequently cancelled.
According to Amsterdam’s mayor and local authorities, Israeli fans suffered injuries across various areas of the Dutch capital despite a substantial police presence.
Fans of Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv had traveled to Amsterdam for a Europa League match against Ajax. Schoof expressed horror at the developments, noting he had spoken with Netanyahu and underscoring that the “perpetrators will be tracked down and prosecuted.”
Police reported that 57 individuals were detained. Earlier, Dam Square had seen clashes between Maccabi supporters and pro-Palestinian demonstrators, with incidents of fireworks being set off and a Palestinian flag reportedly torn down nearby.
The unrest escalated following the match. Police noted that the identities of those involved in the rioting were unclear, as many wore dark clothing.
Several videos circulated on social media, depicting a man being kicked and beaten on the ground and another person being struck by a vehicle.
In some clips, voices can be heard chanting pro-Palestinian slogans, although the BBC has not verified the footage.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog described the attacks on Maccabi fans and Israeli citizens as a “pogrom.” Dutch anti-Islam politician Geert Wilders, leader of the largest party in parliament, echoed this sentiment, asserting that “authorities will be held accountable for their failure to protect Israeli citizens.”
Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema had taken steps to avert conflicts by relocating pro-Palestinian demonstrators away from the Johan Cruyff Arena. However, Dutch reports indicated that a large group subsequently attempted to approach the stadium but was intercepted by riot police.
Herzog expressed on X his confidence that Dutch authorities would “act immediately to protect, locate, and rescue all Israelis and Jews under attack.”
Israeli officials advised citizens to stay in their hotels, while public broadcaster Kan reported that the foreign ministry had lost contact with three individuals.
The U.S. Special Envoy on Antisemitism, Deborah Lipstadt, condemned the attacks in Amsterdam, describing them as “terribly reminiscent of a classic pogrom” and voiced alarm at their duration.
She also highlighted the timing of the violence, noting it occurred just two days before the anniversary of the Nazi pogrom against Jews in Germany in November 1938.
