Dutch authorities are conducting a large-scale investigation into antisemitic attacks on fans of the Maccabi Tel Aviv soccer team in Amsterdam, which were inspired by calls on social media to target Jewish people. Prime Minister Dick Schoof has cancelled a trip to COP29 climate talks to address the fallout from the assaults. Five people were treated at hospitals and over 60 suspects were arrested in connection to the attacks. Four suspects, including two minors, remained jailed and would be arraigned next week. The investigation is ongoing, with more arrests expected as investigators analyze video footage of the violence.
Israeli police are assisting Dutch authorities in the investigation, meeting with fans returning from Amsterdam and collecting forensic evidence from over 230 victims. Additionally, the government is looking into whether warnings of possible violence from Israel were overlooked leading up to the Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar visited the Netherlands to offer assistance in the investigation and meet with Dutch officials. He condemned the attacks on Jews and demanded action to ensure the safety of the Jewish community in the country.
Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema stated that a pre-match report from the counterterror watchdog did not indicate a concrete threat to Israeli fans, yet still authorities banned a pro-Palestinian demonstration outside the match venue. Videos showed Israeli fans chanting anti-Arab slurs on their way to the game, which may have incited the attacks. After the match, groups of youths on scooters and foot targeted Israeli fans, assaulting them before quickly fleeing to evade police presence in the area. The assaults have raised concerns about growing antisemitism in the Netherlands, as discussed by Prime Minister Schoof in a meeting with representatives of the Jewish community.
In response to the violence, a ban on demonstrations was enforced throughout Amsterdam, and security was increased at Jewish sites in the city. The situation has caused deep sadness and uncertainty within the Jewish community, which continues to face the consequences of rising antisemitism in the country. The attacks were seen as reminiscent of dark periods in history, with Israeli Foreign Minister Saar emphasizing that Israel cannot accept the persecution of Jews and Israelis on European soil. The Dutch government and Israeli authorities are working together to ensure the safety of Jewish communities and investigate the incidents of violence that occurred in Amsterdam.
The Dutch government plans to hold discussions on tackling antisemitism following the assaults, with a focus on addressing the root causes of such incidents. An independent inquiry has been announced by Amsterdam’s mayor to further investigate the attacks and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The antisemitic violence has prompted a widespread reaction, with calls for increased security measures and a commitment to combatting hate crimes. Authorities are committed to identifying all those responsible for the attacks and ensuring that justice is served in this matter. The incidents have sparked both outrage and concern within the Netherlands and have highlighted the importance of addressing and confronting bigotry and intolerance in society.
