Attacks on Israeli fans: Amsterdam chaos

The recent events in Amsterdam, following the Ajax-Maccabi Tel Aviv match, have raised serious concerns. The Israeli Foreign Ministry revealed that it has a list of approximately 10 Israeli citizens who have not been able to contact them since the attacks. Although these people are not considered “missing,” the ministry speculates that their phones may have been stolen or damaged during the attack.

Investigations and official reactions

Amsterdam police have launched an investigation into violent incidents that have led to 62 arrests and five people being hospitalized. In a statement, they confirmed that there were reports of possible hostages, but there is currently no official confirmation of these claims.

“We are deeply outraged by the acts of violence and anti-Semitism that have taken place in Amsterdam,” said Janny Knol, head of the Dutch national police force. She also called on victims to come forward and report their attackers. Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema expressed her fury at the attacks on Israeli fans, stressing that anti-Semitism is a persistent reality, including in her city.

World leaders' response

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the attack as a “premeditated attack” and called for immediate measures to ensure the safety of the Jewish community in the Netherlands. He requested that two planes be sent to fly home Israeli citizens caught in the clashes. Dutch King Willem-Alexander contacted Israeli President Herzog to express his condemnation of the attacks, comparing them to his country’s failure to protect Jews during World War II. Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof similarly called the violence “unacceptable anti-Semitic acts.” Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar will travel to Amsterdam for an urgent diplomatic visit in response to the clashes.

An uncertain future

These tragic events raise questions about the safety of public events and the integrity of local authorities in ensuring the protection of citizens. The growing social tension related to the war in the Middle East seems to be reflected on the streets of Europe. Dutch authorities face the challenge of rebuilding trust between local communities and ensuring that similar attacks do not happen again. In an already tense climate, the words of world leaders and local authorities will be crucial to promote constructive dialogue and prevent further episodes of violence.