Israeli fans of Maccabi Tel Aviv and tourists reported attacks in Amsterdam on Thursday night. The Dutch police are now investigating the claims, especially since the violence coincided with the eve of Kristallnacht’s anniversary, raising concerns about rising anti-Semitic violence across Europe.
Israeli fans described what happened as a premeditated “anti-Semitic pogrom.” They alleged that organized groups of Arabic-speaking individuals, some carrying Palestinian flags, spread throughout Amsterdam’s streets. These groups reportedly stopped people, demanding identification or passports to verify whether they were Israeli. Many Israeli tourists felt forced to hide in their hotel rooms, drawing a chilling parallel to Anne Frank’s hiding experience in the city during WWII.
The Israeli military has said it is preparing to deploy an immediate rescue mission following "a very violent incident" targeting Israeli citizens in Amsterdam.
— Sky News (@SkyNews) November 8, 2024
The incident has reportedly been linked to a football match where Ajax Amsterdam defeated Maccabi Tel Aviv. pic.twitter.com/Eo4hFyJqxx
Police Response and Arrests: The chaotic situation led to 62 arrests and five hospitalizations. Dutch police were criticized for their absence during the attacks. They later escorted remaining Israeli fans to the airport under heavy security, as accusations surfaced about the extent of the violence, including beatings, stabbings, and reports of kidnappings, which were later unsubstantiated.
Amsterdam has since ramped up security, imposing a three-day ban on demonstrations. Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof condemned the violence, describing it as “horrific,” while the King of the Netherlands issued an apology.
⚡️⭕️ Amsterdam Timeline :
— Middle East Observer (@ME_Observer_) November 8, 2024
1 – Israelis attack personal property
2- Israelis attack taxi drivers
3- Israelis chant "“Let the IDF win to Fuck the Arabs”
4- Israelis get beat up
5- Israelis start to market the story under the title "savage Islamic migrants attack peaceful… pic.twitter.com/I5ZL3gfDA9
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu highlighted the attacks as evidence of escalating anti-Semitism in Europe. The far-right Dutch politician Geert Wilders called for the expulsion of those he deemed responsible for the violence, using highly inflammatory language.
⚡️Israelis who traveled to Amsterdam for the M. Tel Aviv vs Ajax match were reportedly confronted by anti-genocide protestors, humiliated, and many lost their belongings while running away. pic.twitter.com/O8jvmXPcgt
— Warfare Analysis (@warfareanalysis) November 8, 2024
Videos circulating on social media showed Maccabi fans singing provocative chants against Arabs and vandalizing Palestinian flags. Dutch authorities are exploring how the incidents began, as some argue that Maccabi fans’ actions, including tearing down a Palestinian flag, may have provoked the violence. However, the premeditated nature of the attacks, as described by Israeli fans, raises serious concerns.
Tel Aviv Zionist fans though it was a good idea to take down a Palestine flag in Amsterdam, they got their bollix kicked in and fucked into the canal. 😂😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/BR9HxVZ9PW
— Jack (@CalmDownPlzzz) November 7, 2024
The violence sparked fears of a surge in anti-Semitic acts across Europe, prompting Netanyahu to involve Mossad in ensuring the safety of Israelis traveling abroad. The situation has had significant repercussions, with American businessman Bill Ackman expressing his intent to delist his investment vehicle from the Amsterdam Stock Exchange, citing the country’s failure to protect tourists and minorities.
This wave of violence and its aftermath have sparked a diplomatic and social media uproar, revealing deep-seated tensions and highlighting the increasing vulnerability of Jewish communities in Europe.
