We must not turn blind eye to antisemitism, says Dutch king after attacks on Israeli football fans

Following a series of violent attacks on Israeli football fans in Amsterdam, Dutch King Willem-Alexander has spoken out strongly against antisemitism, stressing that Jewish people must feel safe in the Netherlands. The attacks, which occurred in the city center on the evening of Thursday, November 9, left five people hospitalized and led to 62 arrests. The victims were supporters of Maccabi Tel Aviv, who were in town for a Europa League match against Ajax.

King Willem-Alexander, acknowledging the dark lessons of history, stated, “Our history has taught us how intimidation goes from bad to worse,” underlining that such antisemitic behavior could not be tolerated. He added, “Jews must feel safe in the Netherlands, everywhere and at all times. We put our arms around them and will not let them go.”

The violence erupted after the match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv, during which Israeli supporters were targeted in what authorities have described as “hit-and-run” attacks. Groups of young men on scooters approached the fans as they walked from the Johan Cruyff Arena to the city center. The attackers, armed with fireworks and other weapons, assaulted the Maccabi supporters, with several victims reporting severe injuries. Some witnesses described the attackers as hunting down Jews, echoing troubling historical echoes of persecution.

A Violent Night in Amsterdam

The violence began after the football match, which had no significant conflict between the fans of the two clubs. But once the game concluded, Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters were ambushed by youths, who hurled fireworks and insults at them, and even kicked and beat victims while they were on the ground. Several videos circulating on social media show the horrifying attacks, including one of a man being run over by an attacker on a scooter.

The incidents of violence were condemned across Europe and beyond, with leaders from the United States, Israel, and the Netherlands expressing shock. Israeli President Isaac Herzog called the attacks a “pogrom” against Israeli fans and citizens. Herzog also expressed confidence that Dutch authorities would act swiftly to protect the Jewish community.

Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, who was attending an EU summit in Budapest, called the attacks “horrifying” and promised that the perpetrators would be brought to justice. “The perpetrators will be tracked down and prosecuted,” he vowed.

International Outrage and Historic Context

The attacks on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans occurred just days before the anniversary of Kristallnacht, the infamous 1938 Nazi pogrom against German Jews. This timing added a layer of horror to the violence, particularly in a country where three-quarters of the Jewish population was killed during the Holocaust. The historical weight of the attacks was not lost on Dutch authorities or international leaders.

US President Joe Biden also expressed his condemnation, saying the violence “echoes dark moments in history when Jews were persecuted.” Meanwhile, Dutch Mayor Femke Halsema, who was visibly shaken by the events, remarked that the behavior exhibited during the attacks was “disgusting.” She confirmed reports that some of the perpetrators were taxi drivers, who had formed groups and cornered their targets, highlighting how the violence seemed to be orchestrated.

The mayor also expressed her shock at reports circulating on messaging platforms like Telegram, where individuals were seen discussing plans to “hunt down Jews.” Telegram later confirmed it had closed a group linked to the disturbances, stating that it would cooperate with Dutch authorities to prevent further violence.

Security Concerns and Calls for Protection

The attacks have raised serious concerns about the safety of Israeli sports fans in Europe. In response to the violence in Amsterdam, Israel’s National Security Council warned fans to avoid attending sporting events in European cities. This included a EuroLeague basketball match in Bologna, Italy, which was attended by Israeli supporters. Despite the warning, no violence was reported in connection with the game, though Bologna’s police chief had assigned special escorts for the Israeli team’s safety.

The violence in Amsterdam also prompted Israeli airline El Al to provide free “rescue flights” for Israelis seeking to return home from the Netherlands. The first flights carrying passengers, including those affected by the attacks, arrived in Israel, where reporters swarmed the arrivals hall to hear their testimonies.

As the investigation into the attacks continues, Dutch authorities are under increasing pressure to address the growing concerns over antisemitism in the country. The attacks have not only highlighted the dangers facing Jewish communities but also underscored the need for stronger protection and vigilance against hate crimes across Europe.

Moving Forward

While the investigation into the violence continues, Dutch leaders are focusing on maintaining security and ensuring that justice is served. The King, Prime Minister, and Mayor of Amsterdam have all made it clear that antisemitic behavior will not be tolerated. However, the attacks have raised broader questions about the rise of hate-based violence in Europe, particularly against Jewish and Israeli communities. The Dutch response to this violence will likely be watched closely by other European nations grappling with similar issues.