Israeli Soccer Fans Attacked in Amsterdam After Maccabi Tel Aviv vs. Ajax Match
In a concerning incident, Israeli soccer fans in Amsterdam faced violent attacks following the Europa League match between Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax. The confrontations took place late Thursday, with Israeli authorities labeling it as a “serious incident of violence.” Social media videos, which Israeli officials have shared, depict scenes of Maccabi fans being targeted as they left the stadium. Although CNN and other outlets have not independently verified these videos, the Israeli embassy in the U.S. and other sources report that hundreds of Maccabi fans were ambushed after the game. The Israeli government has since responded by dispatching two emergency planes to Amsterdam to aid affected citizens and evacuate those in danger.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, who is monitoring the situation closely, stated that 10 Israelis have been injured. To ensure safety, he advised Israeli citizens to stay in their hotels and avoid potentially risky areas. Amsterdam police have reportedly increased their presence throughout the city, especially near the city center and the stadium, to manage tensions that had been simmering for days prior to the match.
Local law enforcement acknowledged that tensions were evident even before the match, with confrontations reportedly occurring on Wednesday night between taxi drivers and some Maccabi fans in a nearby casino area. Additionally, pro-Palestinian demonstrations took place ahead of the match. As the confrontations intensified, videos circulated on social media, showing violent scenes where some Israeli fans were chased, others narrowly avoided oncoming vehicles, and some reportedly even took refuge by jumping into Amsterdam's canals to escape their attackers. One report from Maariv indicated that a kidnapping attempt on an Israeli individual was thwarted, leading several fans to seek shelter in local stores and buildings.
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In response to the escalating violence, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the attacks, calling on Dutch authorities to act decisively to protect Israeli citizens. In a statement from his office, Netanyahu ordered immediate assistance for Israeli nationals in Amsterdam, urging the Dutch government to hold accountable those responsible for the violence. According to the Israeli foreign ministry, about 30 individuals have been detained so far, though it is unclear whether these arrests included both fans and protesters or were limited to one group.
The incident has drawn widespread attention and criticism, including comments from Israeli officials and supporters. Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett described the situation as “life-threatening,” calling for an immediate response from Dutch authorities. Bennett, as well as other Israeli officials, appealed to European authorities, highlighting the urgency of protecting both Israelis and other European citizens from similar acts of violence.
Reports indicate that Israeli fans who traveled to Amsterdam felt they lacked sufficient police protection. Some individuals, speaking anonymously to reporters, expressed frustration, stating that they felt abandoned by Dutch police, who reportedly did not escort Maccabi fans to safety after the match. Journalist Raz Amir, covering the incident, reported that some fans believed the violence was organized in advance, while a member of the Jewish community in Amsterdam, present during the event, described the shock and fear among fans and local residents alike.
This tragic incident occurred shortly after the annual commemoration of Kristallnacht, adding a further layer of gravity for many observers. The Israeli embassy and government officials are continuing efforts to secure safe locations for their citizens, coordinate with local hospitals to check on the injured, and provide assistance for those needing shelter.
While tensions seem to have slightly eased, officials warn that the situation is still volatile. The Dutch authorities are under significant pressure to respond quickly and effectively to prevent further violence and ensure safety for both visitors and locals.
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