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Violence against Maccabi Tel Aviv fans in Amsterdam – Israel News

After the football match between Maccabi and Ajax Amsterdam on Thursday evening, there were violent attacks against fans of Maccabi Tel Aviv in Amsterdam.

On Monday, Spanish newspaper AS reported that a pro-Palestinian group was planning a protest outside the stadium targeting the Israeli team and its fans, and on Tuesday it was reported that Mossad agents were joining the team in addition to Maccabi's regular security forces would to provide additional protection.

Earlier on Thursday, the NL Times reported that several people had been arrested over unrest. However, Amsterdam police did not confirm whether they were fans of the football club or pro-Palestinian supporters.

In addition, local law enforcement provided protection for the hundreds of Maccabi fans who showed up to watch the game.

Various reports in both Israel and Amsterdam indicate that the Israeli embassy in the Netherlands has become involved and is helping to relocate Israelis to a safe location.

Footage circulating on social media shows fans being beaten, chased with knives and narrowly escaping a vehicle accident.

Accordingly MaarivThere has been at least one attempt to kidnap an Israeli, and many have barricaded themselves in shops and buildings.

“I called my friend and a voice in Arabic answered,” one man said.

Several videos showed Israelis jumping into canals to avoid the protesters.

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“We are witnessing that exactly what they told us in school would never happen again,” said another Maariv.

These attacks come just hours after the country marked the 86th anniversary of Kristallnacht.

Naftali Bennett

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett posted on X/Twitter to make people aware of the situation.

“In these moments, Arabs are rampaging around and brutally beating Israeli tourists in ways that appear life-threatening,” he wrote.

“I call on everyone who is able to do so by any means possible to save their lives. Wake up.”

Bennett wrote posts in both Hebrew and English, calling on authorities to get involved.

“What I see appears to be life-threatening: innocent people being run over, beaten, driven into a river and more,” his post reads in English.

“I call on the Dutch authorities to act immediately to prevent injuries and worse. Anyone who can act, please do so now.” He tagged the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Dick Schoof, who has not yet addressed the situation.

Gideon Sa'ar

Newly appointed Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar confirmed on X that he was in contact with authorities in the Netherlands and set up a hotline for Israelis and Jews at risk.

The Israeli embassy in the USA has set up additional hotlines.

“[We are] We urge Israelis in need of assistance to call one of these numbers: +97225303155, +31634138229.

Eli Beer

“This is what happens when terrorists are allowed into Europe,” wrote Eli Beer, president of United Hatzalah.

“Tonight in the center of Amsterdam, young Jews were attacked and subjected to an attempted lynching by Palestinians. The police were absent or arrived late. This is happening in the heart of Europe and it is just the beginning. In Israel we face this every day, but now it is spreading to Europe.”

Raz Amir

Israeli fans told journalist Raz Amir that they believe the attack was planned in advance.

According to Amir, the police left the Maccabi Tel Aviv fans alone and did not provide them with any escort as they boarded the trains and made their way to the hotels.

“The Dutch police sold us out so that the Arabs would lynch us,” one fan told him after he escaped the attack and arrived injured and bloodied at Amsterdam airport.

“This appears to be a PLANNED and ORGANIZED POGROM in Amsterdam,” Bennett wrote.

Danny Danon

Israel's UN Ambassador Danny Danon addressed the situation and called on the UN to condemn the pogrom.

“These are the true faces of the supporters of the radical terrorism we are fighting,” he wrote.

“The Western world needs to wake up now!! This is the time when the United Nations should immediately and clearly condemn the violence committed by Palestinians and their supporters. The Dutch authorities must now take decisive action against terrorism.”

The Prime Minister's Office released a statement saying Netanyahu approved two emergency flights that flew to Amsterdam.

“The Prime Minister takes the terrible event very seriously and demands that the Dutch government and security forces take decisive and swift action against the rioters and ensure the peace of our citizens,” the statement said.

Itamar Ben-Gvir

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir wrote that he was in constant contact with the Israeli police, who had coordinated with the Dutch police to “rescue Israeli citizens and investigate the serious lynchings in the Netherlands.”

“This is not only an injury to Jews and Israelis, but a warning signal to all European countries about radical Muslim violence.” Anyone who turns a blind eye to Islamic terrorism in the Middle East will encounter it at home in Europe and the West. Today the victims were Israelis, tomorrow you are Europeans,” he wrote.

According to local law enforcement, 65 protesters have been arrested so far and police have not yet got the situation under control.

Local authorities have reported that ten Israelis have been injured in the pogrom so far; Consular staff are currently searching hospitals.

Two people were reported missing.

Authorities say the situation has calmed down in the last hour and Israelis have been ordered to shelter in place.

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