In a shocking turn of events, Israeli football fans visiting Amsterdam for a Europa League match found themselves the targets of a vicious antisemitic attack late Thursday night. The brutal assaults, which left numerous victims injured, prompted swift condemnation from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the deployment of rescue planes to assist the battered fans.
Maccabi Tel Aviv Fans Ambushed
The violence erupted following a match between Dutch team Ajax and Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv, which Ajax won 5-0. As the visiting Israeli fans left the stadium, they were reportedly ambushed by what witnesses described as a “mob” specifically targeting them.
According to sources close to the situation, the attacks were “premeditated” and driven by blatant antisemitism. The Israeli fans, who had traveled to Amsterdam to support their team, instead “encountered antisemitism and were attacked with unimaginable cruelty just because of their Jewishness and Israeliness,” lamented Israeli Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
Disturbing footage circulating on social media showed chaotic scenes of crowds fleeing through the streets and at least one man being brutally beaten. The scope and savagery of the attacks left the victims reeling.
Netanyahu Condemns “Premeditated Antisemitic Attack”
News of the Amsterdam violence reached the highest levels of the Israeli government, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu personally addressing the crisis in a call with his Dutch counterpart, Dick Schoof.
“Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that he views the premeditated antisemitic attack against Israeli citizens with utmost seriousness and requested increased security for the Jewish community in the Netherlands.”
Israeli Prime Minister’s Office
Schoof, for his part, expressed horror at the attacks and vowed that “the perpetrators will be tracked down and prosecuted.” The Dutch prime minister took to social media to denounce the “completely unacceptable antisemitic attacks on Israelis” and assure Netanyahu that justice would be served.
Israel Dispatches Rescue Planes
Responding to the crisis, Netanyahu directed two Israeli rescue planes to be immediately dispatched to Amsterdam. The aircraft were sent to evacuate any injured fans and provide support to the rattled Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters.
The decision underscored the gravity of the situation and Israel’s commitment to protecting its citizens abroad, even in the face of such shocking violence. The planes are expected to arrive swiftly to begin aiding the victims.
Arrests Made as Investigation Unfolds
Dutch police have reportedly arrested 57 people in connection with the attacks, as a major investigation into the incident unfolds. Authorities are working to piece together the events of the chaotic night and identify all those responsible for the brutal antisemitic violence.
The Israeli embassy in the Netherlands issued a statement on social media asserting that “hundreds” of Maccabi fans had been “ambushed and attacked” by the antisemitic mob as they exited the stadium. The embassy demanded accountability and justice for the victims.
Ripple Effects and Rising Tensions
The vicious attacks have sent shockwaves through both the Israeli and Dutch communities, heightening concerns about rising antisemitism in Europe. Many are questioning how such a blatant and targeted assault could unfold in a major European city, and what steps will be taken to prevent future hate-fueled violence.
As the investigation continues and arrests mount, the incident has the potential to further strain already tense relations between the Netherlands and Israel. Diplomatic pressure is likely to intensify in the coming days as Israel demands answers and accountability from Dutch authorities.
For the victims, the physical and emotional scars of the brutal antisemitic attack will linger long after they return home. The violence in Amsterdam serves as a chilling reminder of the very real dangers still faced by Jewish communities worldwide, even as they engage in something as simple as supporting their football team.
As the world watches the aftermath of this shocking incident unfold, difficult questions arise about the state of antisemitism in modern Europe and what can be done to combat the insidious hatred. The attacks in Amsterdam have thrust these issues into the global spotlight, demanding urgent attention and action from leaders across the continent and beyond.
