The violence that hit Amsterdam overnight has shocked international public opinion. After clashes that followed the soccer match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv, the Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed that all missing Israeli fans have finally been located.
The Dutch National Police described the events as “horrific and unacceptable acts of violence,” with police chief Janny Knol urging victims to file complaints. Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema expressed outrage, noting that anti-Semitism was a persistent reality even after World War II and that the current situation in the Middle East was also fueling tensions in the Dutch capital. According to reports, ten Israeli fans were injured by an apparently pro-Palestinian crowd. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the incident, calling it a “premeditated attack” and calling for greater security for the Jewish community in the Netherlands. He also called for swift action against those responsible.
The situation has escalated to the point where the Dutch government has had to respond to criticism regarding its handling of security. Dutch King Willem-Alexander spoke to Israeli President Herzog to condemn the attacks, comparing them to his country’s failure to protect Jews during the Holocaust.
Several public figures have expressed their disappointment. Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof described the attacks as “absolutely unacceptable,” promising that those responsible would be prosecuted. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also strongly condemned the events, saying that anti-Semitism has no place in Europe. Meanwhile, Dutch sovereignist leader Geert Wilders spoke of “pogroms” in the streets of Amsterdam, accusing local authorities of not doing enough to protect Israeli citizens.
Tensions between the different communities continue to grow, putting at risk not only the safety of the fans but also that of the city’s residents. With the imminent dispatch of Israel’s new foreign minister to Amsterdam for an urgent visit, all eyes remain on how local authorities are handling the situation and preventing further violence in the future.
Amsterdam clashes: Israeli fans attacked after match The night of violence that rocked Amsterdam has attracted international attention, with significant repercussions for relations between Israel and the Netherlands.
Emergency Situation in Amsterdam: Updates from the Police A wave of violence has hit Amsterdam, following an attack on Israeli fans.