Following a Europa League soccer match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax Amsterdam on Thursday night, Israeli fans in Amsterdam faced attacks that left multiple people injured and led to 62 arrests, Dutch authorities reported. According to Amsterdam police, the violence, which saw rioters specifically targeting Israelis, resulted in five people requiring hospital treatment. The mayor of Amsterdam, Femke Halsema, condemned the events, calling it a “dark moment” that shamed the city, and assured the public of a full investigation into the incident.
Reports indicate that masked groups, shouting pro-Palestinian slogans, ambushed Israeli supporters across multiple areas of Amsterdam, allegedly seeking them out and checking passports. Despite a heightened police presence due to anticipated tensions, Dutch security forces reportedly struggled to contain the violence. Many Israeli fans sheltered in hotels overnight as clashes continued. Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof condemned the violence as a “terrible antisemitic attack” and pledged that perpetrators would be prosecuted.
Jewish Fans of Maccabi Tel Aviv F.C. were leaving a Soccer Match tonight in Amsterdam, when they were Attacked and Beaten by Crowds of Arabs that were waiting outside the Stadium. At least 12 Injuries are being reported, including several deemed to be Serious; with Jews said to… pic.twitter.com/ORD0EBxgEc
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) November 8, 2024
Urgent; migrants wearing free palestine apparel have been running around in Amsterdam all day and night attacking Jews. In many of the videos, you see the attackers asking the victims to say ” free Palestine” or asking if they are Jewish. There are gangs of men chasing the… pic.twitter.com/3NgTmBCN6v
— Natalie_Zion (@natalie_Zion_) November 8, 2024
The attacks occurred despite precautionary measures, including a ban on a pro-Palestinian demonstration near the Johan Cruyff Arena, which Amsterdam officials enacted in hopes of preventing confrontations. Comments on social media suggest that tensions were already high prior to the match. Maccabi “Ultras” had allegedly gathered for a pro-Israel march through Amsterdam earlier in the day, during which Palestinian flags were removed from buildings, and some Maccabi fans chanted against Arabs. Pro-Palestinian activists claimed that Israeli fans instigated some of the confrontations.
The Israelis stole Palestine land, then they went to Europe to steal the hopes of the Palestinians.
There’s nothing left for them to do.
Amsterdam, Netherlands pic.twitter.com/hs0JoQJozA— Bassem Youssef Commentary (@bassem_youssef9) November 8, 2024
Developing reports indicate taxi drivers may have been involved and coordinated the attacks. Some drivers reportedly used ride-hailing apps to locate and track down fans. A spokesperson indicated that police are examining the actions of specific drivers, underscoring their “apparent role” in leaving fans “harried and unable to escape,” with purported evidence of WhatsApp and Snapchat messages showing coordination among drivers and others involved. Amsterdam authorities have reached out to platforms like Uber and Bolt to understand how app features may have been exploited to screen Israeli phone numbers during the incidents. TikTok has also joined the investigation, working with Dutch and Israeli officials to flag and remove profiles linked to the attacks, while providing relevant data to authorities as they work to identify suspects.
In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered two planes to retrieve Israeli citizens and bring them safely back to Israel. The Israeli government stated that no formal rescue mission would be required but that arrangements were being made to bring citizens home. By Friday afternoon, the first flight had returned to Ben Gurion Airport in Israel, and the Israeli Foreign Ministry had coordinated the safe return of additional fans, according to Netanyahu’s office.
The attack has sparked widespread condemnation from both Israeli and Dutch leaders. Netanyahu issued a statement describing the assaults on Israelis as “brutal antisemitic incidents” and called on Dutch authorities to respond with “vigorous and swift action.” Israeli President Isaac Herzog also spoke out, likening the attacks to a “pogrom,” a historical term for violent acts against Jews in Eastern Europe, and said the violence in Amsterdam echoed the horrors of the October 7 Hamas attack in Israel. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar announced plans to visit the Netherlands to discuss security and prevention measures with his Dutch counterpart and other officials.
