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Friday, November 8, 2024

Anti-Semitic violence erupts in Amsterdam after Europa League match

The Dutch government has vowed to prosecute those responsible for the attacks while working to prevent future incidents.

Amsterdam descended into chaos late Thursday after a Europa League football match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv, which ended in a resounding 5-0 victory for the home team. Violent clashes erupted in the city center, reportedly targeting Israeli football fans, sparking condemnation from leaders in Israel and the Netherlands.

According to Dutch media, the violence began shortly after the match and involved numerous altercations and acts of vandalism in central Amsterdam. Local police arrested 57 individuals, but details about the attackers and the specific nature of the violence remain scarce. Videos shared on social media showed police escorting fans to their hotels as tensions flared.

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The Israeli embassy in the United States described the clashes as a “premeditated anti-Semitic ambush,” claiming hundreds of Maccabi fans were attacked while exiting the stadium. Dutch news outlet AT5 reported that police reinforcements had been called to address the escalating unrest.

Global Outcry Over Anti-Semitic Attacks

The violence in Amsterdam has drawn widespread condemnation. Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof decried the attacks as “completely unacceptable anti-Semitic acts.” Writing on X (formerly Twitter), Schoof said he was “horrified” by the incidents and assured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that those responsible would face justice.

Netanyahu expressed his outrage, describing the attacks as a “premeditated anti-Semitic assault on Israeli citizens.” He also called for increased security for Jewish communities in the Netherlands. Israeli President Isaac Herzog went a step further, comparing the clashes to a “shocking anti-Semitic pogrom,” referencing the recent rise in such incidents globally.

Rescue Efforts for Israeli Citizens

In response to the unrest, Israel launched an immediate rescue mission to evacuate its citizens from Amsterdam. On Friday, the first flight carrying evacuees landed at Ben Gurion International Airport.

“The plane that arrived in Tel Aviv now has passengers evacuated from Amsterdam,” said Liza Dvir, spokeswoman for the Israel Airports Authority. Israeli authorities, working with Dutch counterparts, urged their citizens to stay in their hotels and avoid displaying Israeli or Jewish symbols in public until they could be safely transported to the airport.

The Israeli army coordinated the evacuation mission, deploying cargo aircraft and medical teams. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said his office had requested assistance from the Dutch government to ensure the safe passage of Israeli citizens to the airport.

Tensions Amid Rising Global Anti-Semitism

The Amsterdam incident reflects a troubling surge in anti-Semitic acts and anti-Israel sentiment globally, coinciding with the escalation of Israel’s military operations in Gaza and Lebanon. The conflict has resulted in significant civilian casualties, fueling protests and unrest worldwide.

In Amsterdam, police were already on high alert after multiple incidents earlier in the week. These included the removal of a Palestinian flag from a building, an act that sparked tensions in the city. A planned pro-Palestinian demonstration near the stadium was relocated by local authorities for security reasons.

AT5 reported that the unrest on Thursday involved provocations directed at police by groups of young people. While confirmed details of the clashes remain limited, videos and images circulating online have fueled public outcry.

Call for Accountability

Israeli and Dutch leaders have called for swift action to address the violence and ensure the safety of affected communities. Herzog emphasized the importance of holding perpetrators accountable, stating, “We see the horror this morning, the shocking images and videos that, since October 7, we had hoped never to see again.”

The Dutch government has vowed to prosecute those responsible for the attacks while working to prevent future incidents. However, the violence in Amsterdam highlights the challenges of maintaining security amid heightened tensions in Europe and beyond.

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The swift evacuation of Israeli citizens marks a coordinated response to a crisis that has left many shaken. As investigations continue, the focus remains on justice for the victims and ensuring the safety of vulnerable communities in the face of rising hate crimes.