Amsterdam, Netherlands — A violent confrontation erupted in Amsterdam following a Europa League soccer match between Israeli team Maccabi Tel Aviv and Dutch team Ajax, resulting in multiple injuries among Israeli fans. The incident drew sharp condemnation from the Dutch government, which labeled the clashes as “anti-semitic attacks on Israeli citizens.”
Dutch officials reported that in the aftermath of Thursday night’s game, which ended in a 5-0 victory for Ajax, several disturbances occurred. Dutch police have since launched an extensive inquiry into the violence, leading to the hospitalization of five individuals and the arrest of 62 others.
According to the Israeli embassy in the United States, hundreds of Maccabi fans were targeted in what appeared to be premeditated attacks. Social media footage purportedly shows some of the brutality, including scenes where individuals are being assaulted while on the ground. The veracity of these videos remains unconfirmed.
In the days leading up to the match, tensions were already escalating, with videos surfacing online showing Maccabi fans engaging in anti-Arab chants. Amsterdam police had increased their presence in the city as early as Wednesday, attempting to mitigate tensions near the Johan Cruyff Stadium and other hotspots.
On the night of the match, Amsterdam police managed to keep both teams’ fans separated at the stadium. However, later in the night, violent clashes broke out in several parts of the city center, prompting an immediate response from law enforcement.
Responding to the incidents, Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof expressed his dismay over the attacks and assured that steps were being taken to bring the perpetrators to justice. Schoof also confirmed that he had been in direct contact with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address the situation and assure the safety of Israeli nationals in the Netherlands.
Netanyahu’s office stressed the gravity of the attacks and the necessity for protective measures for Israelis in Amsterdam. Furthermore, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar issued a travel advisory for Israelis in the city to remain in their hotels and announced his plans to visit the Netherlands to address the issue directly.
In his outreach to the Dutch authorities, Sa’ar emphasized the urgent need for heightened security and coordination to ensure the safe transit of Israeli citizens from hotels to the airport. Following initial statements about deploying rescue planes, the Israeli response shifted towards utilizing commercial flights for those affected.
This event has underscored a broader concern about anti-Semitism in Europe, prompting calls for increased vigilance and action against such targeted violence. As investigations continue, both Dutch and Israeli officials are coordinating closely to prevent further incidents and address the underlying tensions that led to this violent outbreak. Sa’ar described the vicious attacks as a “blaring alarm call for Europe and the world” to confront and stem the rise of anti-Semitic incidents.