The pogrom in Amsterdam: people saying “I’m not Jewish” to try and save their lives from being lynched by the mob.
Europe, 2024. pic.twitter.com/w8FNEMnytt
— Hen Mazzig (@HenMazzig) November 8, 2024
“A large number of vehicles from the mobile unit are present and reinforcements have also been called in. Youths are also said to have provoked the police,” local media AT5 reported, describing the scene and the response of the police. The Amsterdam police protected and escorted the Israeli fans to their hotels after the clashes according to AT5 footage. According to the same media outlet, 57 arrests were made before and after the match. Most of those arrested are described as pro-Palestinian activists.
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof assured X that “the perpetrators will be sought and prosecuted,” citing remarks made to his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, during an interview. He denounced “anti-Semitic attacks against Israelis throughout unacceptable facts.
Maccabi-supporters moeten van politie GVB-bus in https://t.co/bS4ZRdi7Uu pic.twitter.com/u9PUAyW7bY
200% Deposit Bonus up to €3,000 180% First Deposit Bonus up to $20,000— AT5 (@AT5) November 8, 2024
Israel has sent 'rescue planes' to Amsterdam after locals came after and attacked numerous Israeli 'Maccabi Tel Aviv' fans for tearing down Palestinian flags, chanting "F*ck Palestine," and mocking dead children in Gaza, before the Champions' League Match against 'Ajax.'
Some… pic.twitter.com/LUPo2Kt2xy
— The Cradle (@TheCradleMedia) November 8, 2024
A "premeditatedéattack" according to Israelël
The Israeli Prime Minister said in a statement that he “views the premeditated anti-Semitic attack against Israeli citizens with seriousness and called for increased security for the Jewish community in the Netherlands,” including “strong and swift measures against the rioters.” In response to the clashes, Benjamin Netanyahu sent planes to the Netherlands, to “bring back” Israeli nationals, including the wounded. And the Prime Minister added that “the cruel images of the aggression against our fellow citizens in Amsterdam will not be ignored”.
The Israeli army also responded to the violence in Amsterdam, calling the acts “targeted against Jews and Israelis” “horrible and barbaric,” according to spokesman Nadav Shoshani. The IDF added on X that it was “immediately preparing to send a rescue mission.” including a cargo plane and medical teams “in coordination with the Dutch government”.
These violent events come as the Middle East war, in which Israel is fighting Hamas in the Gaza Strip and Hezbollah in Lebanon, continues. Previous encounters of Israeli teams in football competitions have raised a lot of concern. The Dutch authorities, however, assure that they have been “particularly vigilant” in view of the match. The gathering of Israeli supporters before the match was protected by a large force and another gathering of pro-Palestinian activists opposed to the club's arrival was moved away from the stadium where the match was held for security reasons.
While a match between the French team and the Israeli team is scheduled for November 14 at the Stade de France, such clashes are causing concern about possible incidents during the match next week.