Violence erupted in Amsterdam after Maccabi Tel Aviv’s 5-0 defeat to Ajax, resulting in five hospitalizations and 62 arrests. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar is responding diplomatically, while President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Netanyahu condemned the attacks as antisemitic. Eyewitnesses reported assaults by masked individuals, and claims of planned ambushes emerged. In response, Netanyahu ordered rescue flights for affected fans, emphasizing the government’s commitment to their safety.
Violence Erupts in Amsterdam Following Football Match
Reports have emerged indicating that a group of Maccabi Tel Aviv football fans faced violent attacks in the streets of Amsterdam after the team’s significant 5-0 loss to Ajax on the evening of November 7. It is estimated that around 3,000 Israeli fans had traveled to the Netherlands to support their team during this match, according to local sources.
Emergency Response and Diplomatic Actions
Following the alarming incidents, police confirmed that five individuals were hospitalized, while 62 others were detained. In light of these events, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar is set to undertake an urgent diplomatic mission to Amsterdam. His office issued a statement highlighting the gravity of the situation, affirming that action is being taken to address the violence that erupted around the football match.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed deep concern over the events, likening the chaos to the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, and characterized the assaults as an “antisemitic pogrom.” Herzog’s remarks reflect the heightened tensions and the emotional impact of the violence on the Israeli community.
In a similar vein, Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu condemned the attacks as a “premeditated antisemitic assault,” urging increased security measures for the Jewish community in the Netherlands. Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof also spoke out, labeling the incidents as “totally unacceptable” and promising that those responsible would face justice.
Eyewitness accounts shared via social media depicted brutal assaults reportedly carried out by masked individuals, some brandishing Palestinian flags and shouting anti-Israel slogans. The situation escalated to the point where Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir advised fans in Amsterdam to remain in their hotel accommodations for their safety.
Furthermore, the Israeli daily Maariv reported claims of “planned ambushes” targeting fans, with disturbing testimonies detailing attempted kidnappings and violent confrontations. In response to these serious threats, Netanyahu has ordered the deployment of two rescue flights to aid affected Israeli citizens, emphasizing the government’s commitment to their safety and well-being.