Amsterdam has seen a surge in antisemitic violence following attacks on Israeli football fans, with authorities planning further arrests. As of Saturday, four individuals, including two minors, remained in custody, and 40 people had been fined for disturbances. The police arrested over 60 people during their investigation into the incidents, and five victims were hospitalized. While there have been no confirmed reports of kidnappings or hostage situations, the police continue to look into additional claims related to the violence.
The attacks, which took place on Thursday night, involved groups of men on scooters targeting Israeli football fans in what Amsterdam’s mayor, Femke Halsema, described as hit-and-run incidents. Halsema expressed her concern, likening the violence to the pogroms of the past and noting that Jewish culture and the city had been severely affected. The violence, she said, represented a frightening outburst of antisemitism that had shaken the community deeply.
Surge in Antisemitic Violence Hits Amsterdam Following Attacks on Israeli Football Fans
The Dutch government responded swiftly to the violence. Prime Minister Dick Schoof announced he would remain in the Netherlands rather than attend the COP29 climate summit in Azerbaijan, citing the social and political impact of the events. The violence, which will be discussed in a cabinet meeting, has triggered national concern about the rise of antisemitic sentiments and the need for increased security.
The recent surge in antisemitism follows Israel’s military operations in Gaza after the Hamas attack on October 7, which has heightened tensions globally. In the Netherlands, Jewish organizations and schools have reported an uptick in threats.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the Amsterdam attacks as a “planned antisemitic attack” and drew parallels to Kristallnacht, the 1938 Nazi-led pogrom against Jews in Germany. Netanyahu’s office has called for enhanced protection for the Dutch Jewish community in response to the violence.
While the violence appeared to be primarily directed at Israeli football fans, tensions also flared between opposing groups. Incidents included Maccabi fans clashing with others, with reports of them stealing Palestinian flags and vandalizing property. The police chief acknowledged the existence of violence on both sides.
The attacks were condemned by international figures, including U.S. President Joe Biden, who called the events “despicable” and echoed the fear that they mirrored darker historical moments of Jewish persecution.
