Amsterdam Cracks Down After Anti-Semitic Attacks On Israeli Soccer Fans

Amsterdam imposed a temporary ban on all demonstrations following a series of violent anti-Semitic attacks on Israeli soccer fans in the city. The incidents, which occurred on the night of November 2, 2023, involved Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters being targeted by “antisemitic hit-and-run squads.” The attacks led to several fans being hospitalized, while riot police worked to protect those affected.

 

Violence and Security Response

The assaults, including fireworks being thrown at fans and physical violence, were reportedly carried out by individuals shouting anti-Israeli slurs. Riot police intervened, escorting fans to safety and hotels. Mayor Femke Halsema condemned the attacks, and security measures were ramped up in the city, with emergency stop-and-search powers granted to the police. As a result of these incidents, 62 people were arrested, and 10 remained in custody as of Friday.

The violence unfolded around the time of a Europa League match between Ajax Amsterdam and Maccabi Tel Aviv, which had drawn 3,000 Israeli fans to the city. The match itself ended without incident, but tensions escalated overnight, resulting in clashes in the city center.

 

Tensions and Global Reactions

This violence comes amid escalating tensions due to the ongoing Gaza-Israel conflict. In the wake of the attacks, Israel sent planes to Amsterdam to help fly fans home and demanded accountability from the Dutch government. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the violence as “despicable,” and the Israeli embassy in The Hague compared the attacks to the horrors of Kristallnacht, the 1938 Nazi pogrom against Jews.

Dutch authorities expressed shock and vowed to prosecute the perpetrators. Prime Minister Dick Schoof and other officials condemned the attacks, while the Dutch government introduced measures to prevent further unrest. These included banning public demonstrations for three days and tightening security in areas where tensions were high.

 

The Bigger Picture: Anti-Semitic and Anti-Muslim Sentiment in Europe

Antisemitic incidents have risen in the Netherlands, particularly since Israel’s military offensive in Gaza, which has resulted in thousands of Palestinian casualties. At the same time, anti-Muslim rhetoric has also been on the rise, with far-right political figures like Geert Wilders blaming the violence on “criminal Muslims” and calling for their deportation.

In contrast, Palestinian supporters have staged protests across Europe, condemning Israel’s actions in Gaza. The clashes in Amsterdam highlight the deep divides the ongoing conflict is exacerbating within Europe.

As the situation unfolds, both Israeli and Dutch leaders are urging greater efforts to combat hate and ensure the safety of their citizens, particularly the Jewish and Arab communities who have become targets of violence amid the escalating tensions over Gaza.