Recent incidents of violence against Israeli football fans in Amsterdam have drawn significant attention, highlighting escalating tensions in the city. Eyewitness accounts describe frightening encounters with groups of young men, resulting in injuries and a sense of fear among the victims.
Adi Reuben, a 24-year-old fan, recounted a harrowing experience where he was assaulted by a group of over ten men while returning to his hotel. The attackers shouted anti-Israeli slogans and targeted him specifically.
“I realized I had to run, but it was dark and I didn’t know where to go. I fell to the floor and ten people were kicking me,” Reuben explained, revealing that he sustained a broken nose during the assault. He chose not to seek medical help in Amsterdam due to concerns about taxi drivers being involved in the violence.
Another victim, Gal Binyanmin Tshuva, 29, described being confronted outside a casino after watching a football match. When he was asked for identification and could not provide it, he was violently attacked by about twenty men.
“I don’t remember anything after that,” Tshuva said, recalling waking up in an ambulance with serious injuries.
British fans Aaron and Jacob also reported experiencing violence when they intervened to help another victim. They were later attacked for their actions, leading to injuries and visible trauma.
Dutch authorities are taking these incidents seriously. Amsterdam police chief Peter Holla noted that “serious abuses” occurred during these “hit-and-run” attacks, primarily executed by youths on scooters. The police struggled to prevent these assaults despite having a significant presence in the area.
In response to rising tensions between Maccabi fans and locals, officials facilitated safe transportation for fans out of potentially dangerous situations. This unrest follows previous altercations involving Maccabi supporters, including vandalism and racially charged incidents.
Esther Voet, editor-in-chief of a Dutch Jewish publication, expressed her concern for the safety of Israeli fans in her city. She offered shelter to those seeking safety from the violence.
These events underscore growing concerns about antisemitism and public safety in urban areas like Amsterdam. The police continue to investigate these incidents while striving to improve security measures for vulnerable populations during public events. As communities grapple with these tensions, fostering dialogue and understanding will be crucial moving forward.
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