In what is being described as a “pogrom,” Israeli football fans were subjected to brutal attacks in Amsterdam last night, after a Europa League match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax. Witnesses reported that the assaults unfolded in several locations across the city, with pro-Palestinian chants and violent clashes erupting after the game.
Israel’s President Isaac Herzog called the attack a “warning sign for any country that wishes to uphold the values of freedom.” According to the Foreign Ministry, at least ten Israelis were injured, and two are unreachable.
Masked groups, some waving Palestinian flags, reportedly targeted Israelis at several locations around Amsterdam after the match, including outside metro stations and hotels. Witnesses described feeling “completely unsafe” throughout the ordeal.
Footage also circulated of Israelis reportedly removing a Palestinian flag from a house in Amsterdam, but it was not clear when this video was taken.
Some Israeli fans were beaten, while others faced rock-throwing and attacks with fireworks. Injuries ranged from bruises to minor lacerations, with some fans describing their need to hide in restaurants and other buildings to avoid attacks.
Israeli TV viewers heard shocking interviews with terrified fans as the incident unfolded. “I hear everything from the outside,” one fan from inside a hotel told Channel 12. “I’m afraid they’ll hear me. I hear Turkish, I hear Arabic, and I hear stones. Fear of God. I changed my clothes at the stadium because I had a feeling that something was going to happen. When I went out, I saw a group of pro-Palestinians who started running after the Maccabi Tel Aviv fans.”
Supporters of Maccabi Tel Aviv hold flags at Dam square ahead of a football match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv (Getty)
A fan called Avigdor described on Channel 12 how the incident started: “Right after the game, as soon as we got off the train at the central station of Amsterdam, a big mess began,” he said. “We saw people running and blowing people up with punches, people were run over and attacked.” He added: “We are currently besieged in the hotel by something like 15 people. Fireworks are being shot at us, motorcyclists passing by on patrols and the police are ignoring us and doing nothing.”
Another fan was heard saying: “There is Kristallnacht 2 here, we are not safe here. We are surrounded in the hotel.”
Horrified by the attacks tonight in Amsterdam, which are terribly reminiscent of a classic pogrom. I am also deeply disturbed by how long the reported attacks lasted and call on the government to conduct a thorough investigation into security force intervention and on how these…
— Ambassador Deborah Lipstadt (@StateSEAS) November 8, 2024
US Envoy for Antisemitism Deborah Lipstadt likened the attacks to a pogrom, writing: “Horrified by the attacks tonight in Amsterdam, which are terribly reminiscent of a classic pogrom. I call on the government to conduct a thorough investigation into how these despicable attacks transpired and lasted.” She noted the historical proximity to the Kristallnacht anniversary, calling the incident a “terrible irony.”
Israel is sending rescue planes to Amsterdam to bring home the affected Israeli citizens. The IDF Home Front Command is organising a mission to assist, including medical and rescue personnel. Israel’s National Security Council has told Israelis in Amsterdam to stay indoors and avoid identifying themselves as Israelis.
Amsterdam authorities stated that arrests had been made, though it remained unclear how many were related directly to the assaults on Israelis. Israeli fans are highly critical of what they say was the lackadaisical response of Amsterdam police.
Far-right Dutch leader Geert Wilders said that Amsterdam had become “the Gaza of Europe” and denounced the attacks. He demanded that authorities “arrest and deport those responsible,” calling the event a “Jew hunt in the streets of Amsterdam.”
Israeli President Isaac Herzog said: “We see with horror this morning the shocking images and videos that, since October 7th, we had hoped never to see again: an antisemitic pogrom currently taking place against Maccabi Tel Aviv fans and Israeli citizens in the heart of Amsterdam, Netherlands. This is a serious incident, a warning sign for any country that wishes to uphold the values of freedom.”
