Israeli soccer fans supporting the Maccabi Tel Aviv team were ambushed and attacked by unidentified assailants in Amsterdam after a Europa League game against Ajax on November 7, 2024. The incident, which occurred late at night as fans were leaving the Johan Cruyff stadium, has been labeled by Israeli officials as a “serious incident of violence.”
Video footage shared by the Israeli embassy shows what it described as violent attacks on the fans, although these videos have not been independently verified by CNN. The Israeli government, concerned for the safety of its citizens, quickly responded by organizing emergency flights to evacuate affected fans from Amsterdam.
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof expressed shock over the attacks and reached out to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, pledging to identify and prosecute those responsible. Schoof condemned the attacks as antisemitic and called the violence “completely unacceptable.” In his conversation with Netanyahu, he assured the Israeli leader that measures were being taken to restore calm in Amsterdam.
Following this, the Prime Minister’s Office in Israel released a statement emphasizing the importance of protecting Israelis in the Netherlands and calling for increased security for the Jewish community there. Netanyahu highlighted the “supreme importance” of ensuring the safety of Israeli citizens abroad, particularly in light of recent political tensions.
Political tensions leading up to the match had been high, fueled by escalating tensions in the Middle East, with reports of Maccabi fans chanting slogans related to the conflict. Social media videos of the chants circulated online, though they remain unverified.
Israeli Fans Attacked in Amsterdam After Maccabi Tel Aviv-Ajax Match, Prompting Emergency Response
Amsterdam police reported that they had detained 57 individuals following the game, as pro-Palestinian demonstrators attempted to gather near the stadium, despite a city ban on protests in that area. While the game itself reportedly ended without major incidents, clashes later erupted in Amsterdam’s city center, raising concerns about public safety in the city.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar condemned the attacks as “barbaric and antisemitic,” stating that the violence should be a wake-up call for Europe and the global community. Sa’ar reported that ten Israeli citizens had been injured in the attacks, and he advised other Israeli citizens in Amsterdam to remain indoors.
He also requested help from Dutch authorities to transport Israelis safely from their hotels to the airport. Sa’ar’s strong response underscores Israel’s expectation of swift and strong action from European countries to protect Jewish and Israeli citizens amid increasing antisemitic attacks.
In response, the Israeli government mobilized the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to organize evacuation flights for Israeli citizens in Amsterdam, deploying cargo planes equipped with medical and rescue teams. This rapid response highlights the serious approach Israel is taking to protect its citizens abroad amid rising global tensions.
Amsterdam police, meanwhile, increased their presence in the city due to various incidents, including an altercation on Wednesday night and an incident involving a Palestinian flag being torn down. Local authorities are focused on preventing further confrontations as they work to restore order in the city.
