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== Background ==
== Background ==
A few months before the attacks, the European Union's [[Fundamental Rights Agency]] reported a rise in [[Antisemitism during the Israel–Hamas war|antisemitic attacks across Europe]], partly attributed to the [[Israel–Hamas war|Israel-Hamas war]].<ref name=":52">{{Cite news |date=2024-11-08 |title=Israeli fans attacked after soccer match in Amsterdam |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/11/08/amsterdam-attack-israel-soccer-match-violence/ |work=The Washington Post}}</ref> The match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv was a [[UEFA Europa League|Europa League]] [[2024–25 UEFA Europa League league phase|group stage]] match held at the [[Johan Cruyff Arena]]. The match itself ended without incident, with Ajax defeating Maccabi Tel Aviv 5-0.<ref name=":05">{{Cite web |last=Kent |first=Eugenia Yosef, Edward Szekeres, Lauren |date=2024-11-08 |title=Israeli soccer fans attacked in Amsterdam, in what Dutch authorities call antisemitic incidents |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2024/11/07/europe/israel-soccer-fans-attacked-amsterdam-intl-hnk/index.html |access-date=2024-11-08 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref>
There has been a significant increase in antisemitic incidents in the Netherlands during the [[Israel–Hamas war|Israel-Hamas war]].<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |title=Amsterdam bans demos after "antisemitic squads" attack Israeli soccer fans |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/israels-pm-aware-very-violent-incident-against-israelis-amsterdam-his-office-2024-11-08/ |work=Reuters}}</ref> A few months before the attacks, the European Union's [[Fundamental Rights Agency]] reported a rise in [[Antisemitism during the Israel–Hamas war|antisemitic attacks across Europe]], partly attributed to the war.<ref name=":52">{{Cite news |date=2024-11-08 |title=Israeli fans attacked after soccer match in Amsterdam |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/11/08/amsterdam-attack-israel-soccer-match-violence/ |work=The Washington Post}}</ref> The match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv was a [[UEFA Europa League|Europa League]] [[2024–25 UEFA Europa League league phase|group stage]] match held at the [[Johan Cruyff Arena]]. The match itself ended without incident, with Ajax defeating Maccabi Tel Aviv 5-0.<ref name=":05">{{Cite web |last=Kent |first=Eugenia Yosef, Edward Szekeres, Lauren |date=2024-11-08 |title=Israeli soccer fans attacked in Amsterdam, in what Dutch authorities call antisemitic incidents |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2024/11/07/europe/israel-soccer-fans-attacked-amsterdam-intl-hnk/index.html |access-date=2024-11-08 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref>


Ahead of the game, Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema prohibited pro-Palestinian protests near the stadium due to concerns over possible violence.<ref name=":52" /><ref name=":13">{{cite news |date=7 November 2024 |title=Amsterdam bans pro-Palestine protesters from rallying outside Ajax-Maccabi TLV match |url=https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-828003 |access-date=8 November 2024 |work=The Jerusalem Post |language=en}}</ref> [[Mossad]] agents joined the team on their trip to "provide maximum protection"<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-11-05 |title=Mossad reist met Maccabi Tel Aviv mee naar Amsterdam voor uitduel met Ajax {{!}} Voetbal {{!}} Telegraaf.nl |url=https://www.telegraaf.nl/sport/160352077/mossad-reist-met-maccabi-tel-aviv-mee-naar-amsterdam-voor-uitduel-met-ajax |url-access=subscription |access-date=2024-11-08 |work=[[De Telegraaf]] |language=nl}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-11-05 |title=Just in case: Mossad agents to join Maccabi Tel Aviv FC trip to Amsterdam |url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/sports/article-827683 |access-date=2024-11-08 |work=[[The Jerusalem Post]] |language=en}}</ref>, and Amsterdam police increased their presence in the city center the night before the match.<ref name=":05" />
Ahead of the game, Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema prohibited pro-Palestinian protests near the stadium due to concerns over possible violence.<ref name=":52" /><ref name=":13">{{cite news |date=7 November 2024 |title=Amsterdam bans pro-Palestine protesters from rallying outside Ajax-Maccabi TLV match |url=https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-828003 |access-date=8 November 2024 |work=The Jerusalem Post |language=en}}</ref> [[Mossad]] agents joined the team on their trip to "provide maximum protection"<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-11-05 |title=Mossad reist met Maccabi Tel Aviv mee naar Amsterdam voor uitduel met Ajax {{!}} Voetbal {{!}} Telegraaf.nl |url=https://www.telegraaf.nl/sport/160352077/mossad-reist-met-maccabi-tel-aviv-mee-naar-amsterdam-voor-uitduel-met-ajax |url-access=subscription |access-date=2024-11-08 |work=[[De Telegraaf]] |language=nl}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-11-05 |title=Just in case: Mossad agents to join Maccabi Tel Aviv FC trip to Amsterdam |url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/sports/article-827683 |access-date=2024-11-08 |work=[[The Jerusalem Post]] |language=en}}</ref>, and Amsterdam police increased their presence in the city center the night before the match.<ref name=":05" />
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Multiple parties in the [[House of Representatives (Netherlands)|House of Representatives]] have called for an urgent debate, which is set to occur next week.<ref name=":4" /> Dutch politician [[Geert Wilders]] wrote: "Looks like a Jew hunt in the streets of Amsterdam. Arrest and deport the multicultural scum that attacked Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters in our streets," adding that he was "Ashamed that this can happen in The Netherlands. Totally unacceptable."<ref name=":32">{{Cite news |last=Crisp |first=James |date=2024-11-08 |title=‘Jew hunt’ condemned after pro-Palestinian mob attacks football fans in Amsterdam |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2024/11/08/maccabi-ajax-football-israelis-attacked-palestine-protest/ |access-date=2024-11-08 |work=The Telegraph |language=en-GB |issn=0307-1235}}</ref> [[People's Party for Freedom and Democracy|VVD]] leader [[Dilan Yeşilgöz]] described the images as "incredibly sick" and referred to the perpetrators as "pure scum, pure Jew-hatred."<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=Israeli Foreign Min. heading to Netherlands; Parliamentary debate on violence next week {{!}} NL Times |url=https://nltimes.nl/2024/11/08/israeli-foreign-min-heading-netherlands-parliamentary-debate-violence-next-week |access-date=2024-11-08 |website=nltimes.nl |language=en}}</ref>
Multiple parties in the [[House of Representatives (Netherlands)|House of Representatives]] have called for an urgent debate, which is set to occur next week.<ref name=":4" /> Dutch politician [[Geert Wilders]] wrote: "Looks like a Jew hunt in the streets of Amsterdam. Arrest and deport the multicultural scum that attacked Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters in our streets," adding that he was "Ashamed that this can happen in The Netherlands. Totally unacceptable."<ref name=":32">{{Cite news |last=Crisp |first=James |date=2024-11-08 |title=‘Jew hunt’ condemned after pro-Palestinian mob attacks football fans in Amsterdam |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2024/11/08/maccabi-ajax-football-israelis-attacked-palestine-protest/ |access-date=2024-11-08 |work=The Telegraph |language=en-GB |issn=0307-1235}}</ref> [[People's Party for Freedom and Democracy|VVD]] leader [[Dilan Yeşilgöz]] described the images as "incredibly sick" and referred to the perpetrators as "pure scum, pure Jew-hatred."<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=Israeli Foreign Min. heading to Netherlands; Parliamentary debate on violence next week {{!}} NL Times |url=https://nltimes.nl/2024/11/08/israeli-foreign-min-heading-netherlands-parliamentary-debate-violence-next-week |access-date=2024-11-08 |website=nltimes.nl |language=en}}</ref>


Amsterdam Mayor [[Femke Halsema]] condemned the attacks, describing the perpetrators as "antisemitic hit-and-run squads." At a news conference, she expressed deep shame, calling the incident "a very dark moment for the city."<ref name=":04" />
Amsterdam Mayor [[Femke Halsema]] condemned the attacks, describing the perpetrators as "antisemitic hit-and-run squads." At a news conference, she expressed deep shame, calling the incident "a very dark moment for the city."<ref name=":04" /> The city prohibited demonstrations for the weekend and granted police stop-and-search powers.<ref name=":2" />


=== Israel ===
=== Israel ===

Revision as of 15:05, 8 November 2024

November 2024 Amsterdam attacks
Part of Antisemitism during the Israel–Hamas war
Amsterdam's Dam Square, where the riots first erupted
LocationAmsterdam, Netherlands
Date7 November 2024 (2024-11-07)
TargetIsraeli Jewish soccer fans
Attack type
riots, stabbing, car ramming
Weaponsclubs, knives, cars
InjuredAt least 20 Israelis were injured[1]
PerpetratorsPro-Palestinian groups. 62 have been arrested
DefendersFans of Maccabi Tel Aviv, Amsterdam residents[2]
MotiveAlleged antisemitic and anti-Zionist sentiment

The 2024 riots in Amsterdam[3] were a series of incidents that occurred in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, on the night of November 7, 2024, where Israeli fans of Maccabi Tel Aviv were attacked. The riots took place following a UEFA Europa League soccer match between Maccabi Tel Aviv, and Ajax Amsterdam of the Netherlands.[4]

During the attacks, Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters were reportedly ambushed and assaulted in various locations across the city.[5] Dutch police stated that the perpetrators "actively sought out Israeli supporters to attack and assault them"[6] and confirmed the detention of 62 people.[5] Five people were hospitalized, while 20 to 30 other supporters sustained minor injuries.[7]

The attacks were described by Dutch authorities as antisemitic, with statements of condemnation from both the Dutch and Israeli governments.[4][8]

Background

There has been a significant increase in antisemitic incidents in the Netherlands during the Israel-Hamas war.[9] A few months before the attacks, the European Union's Fundamental Rights Agency reported a rise in antisemitic attacks across Europe, partly attributed to the war.[10] The match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv was a Europa League group stage match held at the Johan Cruyff Arena. The match itself ended without incident, with Ajax defeating Maccabi Tel Aviv 5-0.[11]

Ahead of the game, Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema prohibited pro-Palestinian protests near the stadium due to concerns over possible violence.[10][12] Mossad agents joined the team on their trip to "provide maximum protection"[13][14], and Amsterdam police increased their presence in the city center the night before the match.[11]

Local authorities cited concerns over the potential for conflict in various areas.[11] On Wednesday evening, police reportedly intervened to prevent a confrontation between a group of taxi drivers and a separate group of visitors from a nearby casino.[11] Prior to the match, video footage circulating on social media showing some Maccabi fans allegedly engaging in chants that included anti-Arab slurs and statements praising IDF operations in Gaza. Other footage showed individuals tearing down Palestinian flags in Amsterdam, though the timing and context of these incidents remain unclear.[11][15] It was reported that an Arab taxi driver was attacked, and that people threatened passers-by and interrupted the minute of silence for the victims of the 2024 Spanish floods with whistles before the match.[16][17]

Prior to the match, Amsterdam's mayor Femke Halsema had banned pro-Palestinian protests from being held in the immediate vicinity of the Johan Cruyff Arena, with a planned rally being moved a kilometre away from the stadium.[12] Despite heightened security, pro-Palestinian demonstrators attempted to reach the Johan Cruyff Arena on match day, although the city had banned such protests.[11]

Attacks

Rioting broke out when several groups chanting pro-Palestinian slogans confronted Israeli fans in the city's Dam Square.[18] Police instructed individuals displaying pro-Palestinian symbols or chanting slogans like "Free Palestine" to leave the square.[18]

After the game, violence erupted in several areas of Amsterdam.[4] According to the Dutch police, Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters were ambushed and attacked in various locations throughout the city.[4] According to the Jerusalem Post, the attacks involved multiple assaults, with footage showing fans being beaten and chased with knives.[19] Eyewitnesses reported attempted stabbings, individuals being thrown into a river, and extremists beating and spitting on Israelis.[19] A report by Maariv also indicated at least one attempted kidnapping of an Israeli, and many fans sought refuge by barricading themselves in stores and buildings.[19] Social media footage showed fans being pursued with knives, a pedestrian struck by a car, and a man in a canal being forced to chant "free Palestine." Ten Israelis were injured, and three went missing during the attacks.[20]

Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema said the attacks included hit-and-run assaults which were carried out by "boys on scooters," who fled the scene when confronted by police. She said that authorities had sought a security assessment from the NCTV, which found no specific threat, adding that early investigations showed the riots had been quickly organized on Telegram.[21] Dutch police have stated that 62 people were detained following the clashes.[4]

Five individuals were hospitalized due to injuries from the attacks, but all were discharged by Friday morning, according to police. Authorities are also aware of 20 to 30 other Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters who suffered minor injuries.[22]

Response

Netherlands

Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Dick Schoof, said he was "horrified by the antisemitic attacks on Israeli citizens." He called the situation "unacceptable," adding that he was "in close contact with all parties involved and have just spoken to Netanyahu by phone to stress that the perpetrators will be identified and prosecuted."[23] Justice Minister David van Weel stated that the perpetrators would be identified and held accountable, adding, "We should be ashamed of ourselves."[24]

King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands expressed "deep horror and shock" at the attacks, adding: "We failed the Jewish community of the Netherlands during World War II, and last night we failed again."[25]

Multiple parties in the House of Representatives have called for an urgent debate, which is set to occur next week.[26] Dutch politician Geert Wilders wrote: "Looks like a Jew hunt in the streets of Amsterdam. Arrest and deport the multicultural scum that attacked Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters in our streets," adding that he was "Ashamed that this can happen in The Netherlands. Totally unacceptable."[27] VVD leader Dilan Yeşilgöz described the images as "incredibly sick" and referred to the perpetrators as "pure scum, pure Jew-hatred."[26]

Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema condemned the attacks, describing the perpetrators as "antisemitic hit-and-run squads." At a news conference, she expressed deep shame, calling the incident "a very dark moment for the city."[23] The city prohibited demonstrations for the weekend and granted police stop-and-search powers.[9]

Israel

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar reacted to the attacks by advising Israelis in Amsterdam to stay in their hotels. In the wake of the violence, which he condemned as "barbaric and antisemitic," Sa'ar described the events as "a blaring alarm call for Europe and the world." He also reached out to his Dutch counterpart, Caspar Veldkamp, requesting assistance in transporting Israeli citizens safely from their hotels to the airport, as reported by Israel’s foreign ministry.[4]

In a call with Dutch PM Schoof, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stressed "the supreme importance" of ensuring the safety of all Israelis in the Netherlands. Netanyahu emphasized the seriousness of the planned anti-Semitic attacks against Israeli citizens and requested heightened security for the Jewish community in the Netherlands, according to the Israeli Prime Minister's Office.[4] Initially, Netanyahu announced plans to dispatch "rescue planes" to bring Israeli citizens home. However, his office later clarified that the focus would shift to arranging commercial flights for their safe return, rather than deploying rescue planes.[4]

Israeli President Isaac Herzog referred to the events in Amsterdam as an "anti-Semitic pogrom," calling it a serious incident and a warning to any nation that values freedom. He expressed confidence in the Dutch authorities' ability to protect Israelis and Jews under attack.[28]

El Al, Israel's flag carrier, announced it would run a rescue flight from Amsterdam to Tel Aviv on Shabbat, Judaism's day of rest, with approval from Israel's Chief Rabbinate. The flight is scheduled to be free.[29][8]

States

  •  France: Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau rejected calls to relocate an upcoming match between France and Israel, stating that doing so would amount to "abdicating in the face of threats of violence and antisemitism." He affirmed that the match would proceed as planned at the Stade de France, with security arrangements in place to ensure safety.[4]
  •  Germany: German ambassador to Israel, Steffen Seibert, wrote that as a European he was "ashamed to see such scenes in one of our great cities". He added that "Chasing and beating up Israeli soccer fans is not anti-war protest. It is criminal and intolerable and we must all stand against it."[8]
  •  Palestine: The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement condemning anti-Arab chants reportedly made by Israeli fans and the desecration of Palestinian flags in Amsterdam. The Ministry also called on Dutch authorities to ensure the protection of Palestinians and Arabs in the Netherlands.[4]

Jewish groups and figures

Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center, expressed "deep concern" and solidarity with the victims. The organization called it "profoundly alarming" to witness such violence, especially with the anniversary of Kristallnacht approaching. Yad Vashem emphasized that the incident highlights the "alarming resurgence of antisemitism, a cancerous plague that has infiltrated every aspect of our society."[30]

Yonathan Arfi, head of the Conseil Représentatif des Institutions juives de France, called the events "a mass lynching, a systematic attack on Israeli supporters leaving the match. It is the crassest anti-Semitism that is resurfacing through these images.", adding that the victims were targeted "not only in the name of the conflict taking place in Gaza but also because they are Jews."[20]

Sir Ephraim Mirvis, Chief Rabbi of the UK and Commonwealth, called the attacks a "watershed moment" for Europe, adding that "Hateful mobs have chased down Jewish and Israeli football fans on the streets of Amsterdam after a match, violently beating them and proudly posting the footage on social media."[20]

See also

References

  1. ^ [1]
  2. ^ "Maccabi fans, pro-Palestinians clash in Amsterdam". ESPN.com. 8 November 2024. Retrieved 8 November 2024.
  3. ^ "'A new Kristallnacht': Jewish, Israeli figures express horror over Amsterdam pogrom". The Jerusalem Post | JPost.com. 8 November 2024. Retrieved 8 November 2024.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Kent, Eugenia Yosef, Edward Szekeres, Lauren (8 November 2024). "Israeli soccer fans attacked in Amsterdam, in what Dutch authorities call antisemitic incidents". CNN. Retrieved 8 November 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  5. ^ a b Kent, Eugenia Yosef, Edward Szekeres, Lauren (8 November 2024). "Israeli soccer fans attacked in Amsterdam, in what Dutch authorities call antisemitic incidents". CNN. Retrieved 8 November 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  6. ^ "Attackers assaulted Israeli fans after a soccer match in Amsterdam, leaving 5 people hospitalized". AP News. 8 November 2024. Retrieved 8 November 2024.
  7. ^ ""Boys on scooters" targeted Israeli football fans in Amsterdam; No confirmed abductions | NL Times". nltimes.nl. Retrieved 8 November 2024.
  8. ^ a b c "Israeli fans attacked after soccer match in Amsterdam". The Washington Post. 8 November 2024.
  9. ^ a b "Amsterdam bans demos after "antisemitic squads" attack Israeli soccer fans". Reuters.
  10. ^ a b "Israeli fans attacked after soccer match in Amsterdam". The Washington Post. 8 November 2024.
  11. ^ a b c d e f Kent, Eugenia Yosef, Edward Szekeres, Lauren (8 November 2024). "Israeli soccer fans attacked in Amsterdam, in what Dutch authorities call antisemitic incidents". CNN. Retrieved 8 November 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  12. ^ a b "Amsterdam bans pro-Palestine protesters from rallying outside Ajax-Maccabi TLV match". The Jerusalem Post. 7 November 2024. Retrieved 8 November 2024.
  13. ^ "Mossad reist met Maccabi Tel Aviv mee naar Amsterdam voor uitduel met Ajax | Voetbal | Telegraaf.nl". De Telegraaf (in Dutch). 5 November 2024. Retrieved 8 November 2024.
  14. ^ "Just in case: Mossad agents to join Maccabi Tel Aviv FC trip to Amsterdam". The Jerusalem Post. 5 November 2024. Retrieved 8 November 2024.
  15. ^ Video footage shows Israeli soccer fans taunting Arabs in Amsterdam with anti-Palestinian chants. Times of Israel
  16. ^ "Israeli hooligans provoke clashes in Amsterdam after chanting anti-Palestinian slogans". Middle East Eye. 8 November 2024. Archived from the original on 8 November 2024. Retrieved 8 November 2024.
  17. ^ "Israeli football fans attacked in Amsterdam, officials say". BBC News. 8 November 2024. Retrieved 8 November 2024.
  18. ^ a b "Arrests in Amsterdam after pro-Palestinian activists heckle Maccabi Tel Aviv fans | NL Times". nltimes.nl. Retrieved 8 November 2024.
  19. ^ a b c "'We were ambushed': Pogrom in Amsterdam wounds several, potential hostage situation". The Jerusalem Post | JPost.com. 8 November 2024. Retrieved 8 November 2024.
  20. ^ a b c Crisp, James (8 November 2024). "'Jew hunt' condemned after pro-Palestinian mob attacks football fans in Amsterdam". The Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 8 November 2024.
  21. ^ ""Boys on scooters" targeted Israeli football fans in Amsterdam; No confirmed abductions | NL Times". nltimes.nl. Retrieved 8 November 2024.
  22. ^ ""Boys on scooters" targeted Israeli football fans in Amsterdam; No confirmed abductions | NL Times". nltimes.nl. Retrieved 8 November 2024.
  23. ^ a b Kent, Eugenia Yosef, Edward Szekeres, Lauren (8 November 2024). "Israeli soccer fans attacked in Amsterdam, in what Dutch authorities call antisemitic incidents". CNN. Retrieved 8 November 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  24. ^ ""Boys on scooters" targeted Israeli football fans in Amsterdam; No confirmed abductions | NL Times". nltimes.nl. Retrieved 8 November 2024.
  25. ^ "King of the Netherlands: 'We failed the Jewish community during World War II, and last night we failed again'". Times of Israel. 8 November 2024.
  26. ^ a b "Israeli Foreign Min. heading to Netherlands; Parliamentary debate on violence next week | NL Times". nltimes.nl. Retrieved 8 November 2024.
  27. ^ Crisp, James (8 November 2024). "'Jew hunt' condemned after pro-Palestinian mob attacks football fans in Amsterdam". The Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 8 November 2024.
  28. ^ "Israel tightens travel advice for Amsterdam, bans soldiers from coming to Netherlands | NL Times". nltimes.nl. Retrieved 8 November 2024.
  29. ^ "El Al rescue flights to Amsterdam to operate on Shabbat, trauma response units activate". The Jerusalem Post | JPost.com. 8 November 2024. Retrieved 8 November 2024.
  30. ^ "At least 5 hospitalized, 62 arrested in attacks on Israeli football fans in Amsterdam | NL Times". nltimes.nl. Retrieved 8 November 2024.
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