By Nakiwala Barbra
Israeli football fans faced violent attacks in central Amsterdam following a Europa League match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax, prompting riot police intervention and condemnation from officials.
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof denounced the “antisemitic attacks,” while Israel’s military cited “severe and violent incidents against Israelis.”
Despite a heavy police presence, Israeli fans suffered injuries in multiple areas of Amsterdam. Authorities report that 62 individuals have been arrested, with five people hospitalized and investigations underway. Reports of a possible hostage situation and unaccounted individuals remain unconfirmed.
Prime Minister Schoof expressed horror over the violence and assured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that those responsible would be prosecuted.
The Netherlands’ anti-antisemitism coordinator called the violence “disgusting,” and Chanan Hertzberger, head of the Netherlands’ Central Jewish Committee, alleged that some taxi drivers exacerbated the violence by helping attackers corner Israeli fans.
El Al airline arranged two “rescue flights” for Israeli citizens in Amsterdam, following Netanyahu’s decision to cancel military evacuation plans. Before the match, arrests and altercations occurred in Dam Square between Maccabi fans and pro-Palestinian protesters. After the game, unrest escalated, with videos circulating online showing violent assaults and clashes. In some clips, individuals can be heard chanting pro-Palestinian slogans, although these videos remain unverified.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Dutch politician Geert Wilders both described the events as a “pogrom,” criticizing authorities for failing to protect Israeli citizens. Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema attempted to prevent confrontations by relocating protesters away from the stadium; however, reports indicate a large group later tried to approach the arena, only to be halted by riot police.
On social media platform X, Herzog urged Dutch authorities to “protect, locate, and rescue all Israelis and Jews under attack.” Israeli officials advised citizens to stay in their hotels, and the Israeli foreign ministry reported lost contact with three individuals.
U.S. Special Envoy on Antisemitism Deborah Lipstadt condemned the attacks, likening them to a “classic pogrom” and noting their distressing timing just before the anniversary of the 1938 Nazi pogrom in Germany. The Dutch coordinator against antisemitism described the situation as “horrific and shameful” on the eve of this solemn commemoration.
