Israeli soccer fans attacked in Amsterdam: NPR

LONDON – Leading political figures in the Netherlands have condemned a night of violence in Amsterdam after Israeli soccer fans visiting the city were attacked in the streets.

Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof said on social media he had followed “with horror” updates about the “anti-Semitic attacks” on Israeli supporters of the Tel Aviv Maccabi soccer team and said the violence was “totally unacceptable,” while Israel's foreign minister, Gideon Saar said on social media that he was urgently planning to travel to the Netherlands for an “unplanned visit.”

Saar described the attack as “a loud alarm call for Europe and the world” that allowed “unbridled hatred to roam the streets with impunity.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu initially described it as a “very violent incident.”

According to Amsterdam police, 62 people were arrested after several clashes between Israeli fans and Amsterdam residents in the city center late into the night.

In a news conference on Friday, Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema condemned what she called “hit-and-run” attacks on visiting fans who had traveled to watch her team play Dutch giants Ajax in the annual soccer tournament, which brings together teams from across Europe .

Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema (center), acting Amsterdam police chief Peter Holla (left) and head of the Amsterdam public prosecutor's office René De Beukelaer hold a press conference in Amsterdam, Netherlands on Friday, after Israeli fans and protesters clashed overnight after a soccer match.

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She said local men on scooters tracked down Israeli fans for several hours, which she described as a threat to Jewish life and culture in Amsterdam.

She said she tried to involve Dutch anti-terrorism officials in the run-up to the soccer match but was told there had been no “specific threats” against players or fans.

An Israeli fan, 24-year-old Adi Reuben, told the BBC that about 10 attackers kicked and punched him and broke his nose while chanting “Jewish, IDF” – a reference to the Israeli forces.

Another fan, Joni Pogrebetsy, told Reuters that he encountered violence on his way back to his central hotel after being warned about it by a local restaurant owner. He said police arrived “very late” and by that time “a lot of people were already injured, injured.”

Dutch police chief Peter Holla said five people were taken to hospital for treatment before being released, and a video posted online showed an Israeli fan appearing to be beaten unconscious.

But Holla, who described his own “really shocked” reaction during a news conference, also said that Maccabi fans from Tel Aviv had set fire to a Palestinian flag and attacked a taxi in the city and that clashes between the various groups continued into the early hours Morning hours lasted Another 30 Maccabi fans had to expect less serious injuries.

Videos posted online appear to show Maccabi Tel Aviv fans – some of whom are known in Israel for aggressive behavior towards Palestinian players – shouting racist anti-Arab slurs and slogans against Palestinians.

Authorities said demonstrations would be banned until the weekend and police patrols would be significantly increased to stop further violence.

Willem Marx reported for the digital story from London. Teri Schultz reported for the broadcast from Brussels.