The circumstances leading to the violence remain unclear, with both Dutch and Israeli officials condemning the incidents as antisemitic. Prior to the match, Israeli supporters were recorded making anti-Arab chants.
The city’s acting police chief, Peter Holla, confirmed that fans were deliberately targeted. He described assailants on scooters conducting swift attacks, making police pursuit challenging.
The Amsterdam police said in a post on social media platform X that they have started a major investigation into multiple violent incidents. The post did not provide further details about those injured or detained in Thursday night’s violence following the Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv.
The authorities announced increased police presence across Amsterdam for the upcoming days, with enhanced security measures at Jewish establishments in the city. Amsterdam has a significant Jewish population and was where Anne Frank and her family sought refuge from Nazi forces during World War II.
A joint statement from Amsterdam’s municipal government, police, and prosecution office described a “very turbulent night with multiple violent incidents targeting Maccabi supporters”. They reported that antisemitic agitators deliberately sought out and assaulted Israeli fans, AFP reported.
The exact timing and locations of the violent outbreaks after the match remain unclear.
The statement detailed that supporters faced attacks in various city locations, requiring police intervention to protect Israeli fans and escort them safely to their accommodation. Despite substantial police deployment, Israeli supporters sustained injuries.
The Amsterdam authorities firmly stated: “This outburst of violence toward Israeli supporters is unacceptable and cannot be defended in any way. There is no excuse for the antisemitic behavior exhibited last night.”
These incidents occurred despite Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema’s prohibition of a pro-Palestinian demonstration near the football stadium, implemented due to concerns about potential confrontations between protesters and Israeli club supporters.
Israel to send commercial flight
Israel’s diplomatic response included the foreign minister’s immediate travel to the Netherlands. Initially, plans were made to dispatch two aircraft for fan evacuation, later shifting to assist with commercial flight arrangements.
Recent matches involving Israeli teams have faced heightened security concerns due to Middle East conflicts.
Despite Amsterdam authorities prohibiting a pro-Palestinian demonstration near the stadium before Thursday’s Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv, Mayor Femke Halsema noted that counterterrorism officials had not identified specific threats.
Netanyahu demands Dutch government to take ‘vigorous and swift action’
“The Prime Minister has directed that two rescue planes be sent immediately to assist our citizens,” said a statement from Benjamin Netanyahu’s office.
It added that “the harsh pictures of the assault on our citizens in Amsterdam will not be overlooked,” and that Netanyahu “views the horrifying incident with utmost gravity.” He demanded that the Dutch government take “vigorous and swift action” against those involved.
Netanyahu’s office added that he had called for increased security for the Jewish community in the Netherlands.
Dutch PM says ‘ anti-Semitic’ attack completely unacceptable
“Completely unacceptable anti-Semitic attacks on Israelis. I am in close contact with everyone involved,” Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof said on X, saying that he had spoken to Netanyahu and “emphasized that the perpetrators will be tracked down and prosecuted. It is now quiet in the capital.”
“Have been following the news from Amsterdam and am horrified by the antisemitic attacks on Israeli citizens. This is completely unacceptable. I am in close contact with all parties involved and have just spoken to @IsraeliPM Netanyahu by phone to stress that the perpetrators will be identified and prosecuted. The situation in Amsterdam is now calm once more,” Schoof said.