Following a football match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax in Amsterdam, a series of violent anti-Semitic attacks targeted Israeli fans, sparking outrage among leaders in Israel, the Netherlands, and beyond.
Israel has taken immediate action, dispatching rescue planes to bring citizens back home after the shocking incident.
Attackers Ambush Israeli Fans
The Israeli embassy in the U.S. reported that hundreds of Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters were ambushed and viciously attacked while leaving the stadium.
The violence, which officials have described as anti-Semitic, was carried out by a mob that specifically targeted innocent Israelis.
Video footage from the scene shows Israeli fans being brutally beaten, with assailants chanting “Free Palestine” as they attacked.
At least ten Israeli nationals were hospitalized, and three others were reported missing.
One individual suffered a broken leg during the assault by a gang riding scooters.
Many others sought refuge in nearby shops as the violence unfolded.
To restore order, Dutch authorities deployed over 800 police officers, but their delayed response has drawn criticism.
Government and Law Enforcement Responses
In response to the escalating situation, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that two planes would be sent to bring Israelis back to safety.
Israeli officials have also advised their citizens to remain in their hotels and avoid displaying any Israeli or Jewish symbols in public.
While the violence subsided by the morning, Dutch authorities confirmed the arrest of several individuals involved in the attacks, though many critics noted that police had been absent during crucial moments of the violence.
Clashes and Rising Tensions
Tensions surrounding the match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax flared as Maccabi supporters gathered in Dam Square.
Videos shared online show fans pulling down a Palestinian flag, accompanied by chants of “F*** you Palestine” and other anti-Arab slogans.
Later, masked attackers reportedly chased Israeli fans through the streets, with one video showing an individual being dragged by his coat and others depicting violent beatings.
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof condemned the violence, calling the attacks “completely unacceptable.”
He assured Israeli leaders that those responsible would face prosecution.
Netanyahu, in response, emphasized the premeditated nature of the attacks and called for increased protection for the Jewish community in the Netherlands.
Global Reactions to the Violence
The violence in Amsterdam has drawn widespread condemnation.
Britain’s Chief Rabbi, Sir Ephraim Mirvis, described the attacks as “utterly devastating,” warning that this should be a turning point in the fight against anti-Semitic hate.
Karen Pollock CBE, the head of the Holocaust Educational Trust, echoed these sentiments, calling the attacks a chilling reminder of how anti-Semitism can escalate into violence.
She also pointed out the significance of the timing, with the violence occurring just before the anniversary of Kristallnacht.
Dutch Police and Military Actions
Dutch media outlets reported that the violence reached its peak around midnight, with numerous fights and acts of vandalism erupting across the city.
A large number of mobile police units were deployed, and additional reinforcements were called in.
At least 57 people were arrested, and the police presence in the city will continue in the days to come.
Meanwhile, Israel’s foreign minister Gideon Saar requested the Dutch government’s assistance to ensure the safe transport of Israeli citizens from their hotels to the airport.
A Wake-Up Call for Europe
These violent incidents in Amsterdam serve as a powerful reminder of the dangers of rising anti-Semitic sentiment across Europe.
As authorities continue their investigations, the global community is urged to confront this growing hate and ensure the safety and dignity of Jewish people everywhere.
The events of the past night should prompt immediate action to prevent similar violence from spreading further.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
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