Hundreds of fans of the Maccabi Tel Aviv soccer team reported that they were attacked overnight Thursday by Arabs in Amsterdam, as they left the stadium following Maccabi’s game against AFC Ajax.
The fans testified that an ambush had been prepared for them in advance at various points outside the stadium.
Disturbing footage from the city, which was posted to social media, fans are seen being violently attacked, beaten and even run over. One of the fans was forced to say "Free Palestine" before he was let go. Some of the fans barricaded themselves in shops and other places in the city. The local police escorted some of the Israelis back to their hotels.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry said that ten fans were injured and that two people are unaccounted for, and efforts to get in touch with them are ongoing.
An Israeli who witnessed the goings on told Kan 11 News, "They waited in groups at every corner, and as soon as they recognized Jews - they started chasing them. Others waited near hotels and near the casino in larger groups, and there they also attacked fans. Then others drove by with cars and did not stop honking near hotels in which Israelis are staying."
"The police were not present at the conclusion of the games, and Muslims were waiting near train stations for Israeli fans and followed them," said another Israeli. "The police only started to intervene after about half an hour to 45 minutes into the attacks, after the attackers threw firecrackers at people and into buildings."
A spokesperson for Amsterdam police said that 57 suspects have been arrested during the incidents, but could not confirm if those arrested are soccer fans. The reasons for the arrests, according to the police: Violation of public order and possession of fireworks.
The Prime Minister's Office stated that "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been informed of the details regarding the very violent incident against Israeli citizens in Amsterdam, held an assessment with his Military Secretary and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and is receiving regular updates.”
“The Prime Minister has directed that two rescue planes be sent immediately to assist our citizens. The harsh pictures of the assault on our citizens in Amsterdam will not be overlooked.
“Prime Minister Netanyahu views the horrifying incident with utmost gravity and demands that the Dutch government and security forces take vigorous and swift action against the rioters, and ensure the safety of our citizens."
The National Security Council told the Israeli public currently in Amsterdam to refrain from moving in the street and remain in their hotel rooms, avoid externalizing Israeli and Jewish symbols, and inform the local police immediately of any unusual incident.
The NSC recommends that those who can move up their flight back to Israel do so.
Incoming Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar commented on the situation and wrote on X, "We are in contact with the authorities in the Netherlands about the serious events there. Any Israeli or Jew who is currently in distress or has information and location about a violent event that is currently taking place - please contact the emergency hotline: 0097225303155."
The IDF Spokesperson’s Unit stated, “Following the severe and violent incidents against Israelis in Amsterdam, with the direction of the political echelon, and in accordance with a situational assessment, the IDF is preparing to immediately deploy a rescue mission with the coordination of the Dutch government.”
The mission will be deployed using cargo aircraft and include medical and rescue teams. The IDF Homefront Command will lead the rescue mission with the cooperation of various IDF directorates, branches, and Israeli security authorities.
MK Almog Cohen (Otzma Yehudit) said that he spoke with Israel's Ambassador to the Netherlands, Ephraim Modi, who informed him that many police forces had been sent to the scenes of the violence.
"I call on the fans to stay in safe places and avoid risking their lives," Cohen wrote.
Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett issued a call on authorities to act immediately to prevent the loss of lives.
MK Boaz Bismuth wrote on social media site X, "A shocking pogrom is happening right now in Amsterdam. I am receiving calls and messages from people who are in Amsterdam, who say that the Dutch authorities are not helping them at all and are not taking action to control the situation."
"Jews are forced to barricade themselves and hide while the violence continues to rage in the streets. This event is a reminder that hatred of Jews is alive and kicking in the heart of Europe. The Dutch authorities must apply a policy of zero tolerance and arrest the rioters - now!" added Bismuth.
Israel’s Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, said, “We are receiving very disturbing reports of extreme violence against Israelis and Jews on the streets of Holland. There is a pogrom currently taking place in Europe in 2024.”
“These are the true faces of the supporters of the radical terrorism we are fighting. The western world needs to wake up now!!”
“This is the time when the UN should immediately and clearly condemn the violence of the Palestinians and their supporters. The Dutch authorities must take decisive action against terrorism now,” stated Danon.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir responded to the attacks in Amsterdam and said: "Fans who went to see a soccer game encountered antisemitism and were attacked with unimaginable cruelty just because of their Jewishness and Israeliness."
He added, "I condemn any attempt to make the victim guilty. This is not only an attack on Jews and Israelis, but a warning sign to all European countries against radical Muslim violence. Today the victims were Israelis, tomorrow it is you Europeans."
Dutch right-wing leader Geert Wilders condemned the violence and wrote on X, “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. Ashamed that this can happen in The Netherlands. Totally unacceptable.”
He later posted again about the incident and wrote, “A pogrom in the streets of Amsterdam. We have become the Gaza of Europe. Muslims with Palestinian flags hunting down Jews. I will NOT accept that. NEVER.”
“The authorities will be held accountable for their failure to protect the Israeli citizens. Never again,” he added.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid said, “The scenes from Amsterdam remind us all of Europe’s darkest days. Jews being hunted and beaten on the streets of Europe should be a wake up call for anyone who still needs it about the rise of antisemitism and the dangers of extremism. I call on the government of the Netherlands to find every perpetrator of these hate crimes and bring them to justice.”
The International March of the Living responded to the violence as well, saying, “International March of the Living is shocked and appalled by the severe pogrom that took place last night in Amsterdam. This was a planned and organized attack, carried out by antisemitic rioters and terror supporters, who stabbed, beat, and ran over Israelis throughout the city without interference.”
“This horrific event cannot be condemned with words alone; decisive action is needed to prevent the next attack. The European Union and its member states must strongly condemn the pogrom, bring the perpetrators to justice, and ensure the safety of Israelis and Jews in Europe.”
“Tomorrow marks the 86th anniversary of Kristallnacht, the antisemitic pogroms that broke out all across Germany and Austria that led to the Holocaust – the eventual murder of six million Jews. Yet today Jews continue to face mortal danger all across Europe.”
“History teaches us only too well, the fatal consequences of silence and inaction in the face of unbridled hatred and violence.”