Israeli soccer team faced attacks and siege by pro-Palestinian activists in Amsterdam, the Netherlands during a match, sparking international concern. Israeli Prime Minister immediately dispatched two planes to evacuate his countrymen, while the Foreign Minister flew to the Netherlands to express strong protests. Politicians in the Netherlands also condemned the incident and called for a thorough investigation.
On November 7th, Israeli fans attending the match between Ajax, a Dutch premier league team, and Maccabi Tel Aviv in Amsterdam were targeted by pro-Palestinian individuals. Chaos ensued as the Israeli fans were surrounded and chased, leading to several scuffles on the streets. Approximately 800 police officers were deployed to maintain order, resulting in over 60 arrests, at least 5 hospitalized, and 30 others sustaining minor injuries. The Mayor of Amsterdam described the incident as anti-Semitic.
In the afternoon of the 7th, pro-Palestinian activists attacked a group of Israeli fans at the iconic Dam Square in Amsterdam, setting off fireworks and using flares. Police and riot police were mobilized to disperse the crowd. Reports indicated that Israeli fans also turned violent during the ordeal, causing disturbances on the streets and attacking locals near the central train station.
In response to the incident, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu deemed the shocking event as very serious and promptly ordered two planes to assist Israeli citizens.
Mayor of Amsterdam, Femke Halsema, stated that riot police in Amsterdam intervened multiple times to protect Israeli supporters and escorted them to their hotels. She condemned the violence against Israeli supporters as unacceptable and emphasized that the perpetrators cannot be excused. Additional police forces were deployed to monitor and control the situation, with Jewish institutions and communities receiving extra security protection.
A spokesperson from the Jerusalem Holocaust Memorial expressed deep concern and solidarity with the victims, highlighting the resurgence of anti-Semitism evident in the attack on Jewish individuals in Amsterdam.
Dutch politicians widely criticized the violent events and called for a thorough investigation. Prime Minister Dick Schoof strongly condemned the anti-Semitic attacks on Israeli citizens, stating that such actions cannot be tolerated. Justice and Security Minister David van Weel expressed shame over the incident and vowed to track down and punish the assailants who attacked Israeli fans.
Leader of the Freedom Party, Geert Wilders, went as far as labeling the Netherlands as “Europe’s Gaza.” The Green-Left alliance termed the chase and assault on Israeli Jews in Amsterdam as unacceptable, fearful and enraging. Leader of the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy, Dilan Yeşilgöz, bluntly stated that this behavior was purely anti-Semitic.
Following the events, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar strongly protested to the Dutch government, even referring to it as a “massacre.” He flew urgently to the Netherlands on the 8th to implement the “Amsterdam Rescue Operation” and engage in discussions with Dutch officials. Sa’ar met with Prime Minister Schoof, Minister van Weel, Wilders, Yeşilgöz, and Foreign Minister Veldkamp. That evening, van Weel and Sa’ar made statements to the press at Schiphol Airport.
Sa’ar stated that Israel and the Netherlands would cooperate in the investigation, with Israeli police collecting testimonies and evidence regarding the “massacre” of Israelis. He emphasized Israel’s commitment to pursuing justice and punishing the barbaric offenders.
Prime Minister Schoof assured Israeli Foreign Minister Sa’ar that the Dutch government was making every effort to ensure the safety of the Jewish community. Schoof met with representatives of the Jewish community in Amsterdam on the evening of the 8th. Yeşilgöz also pledged to expose the masterminds behind the scenes, stressing the need to stop the wave of hatred towards Jewish people.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu initially planned to send two planes carrying soldiers and rescue teams to the Netherlands to assist Israelis, but eventually changed his mind. The Israeli airline would operate additional flights to bring back the soccer fans, without any rescue teams on board, as reported by the Israel Times.