King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands expressed support for Jewish safety after antisemitic riots targeted Israeli football fans in Amsterdam. During the attacks, youths on scooters conducted “hit-and-run” assaults against Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters who were in the city for a Europa League match. Five people were hospitalized, with dozens more suffering minor injuries, and police made 62 arrests.
The king emphasized that history warns of the dangers of antisemitism and that “Jews must feel safe in the Netherlands, always and everywhere.” Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, who returned early from an EU summit, pledged to track down and prosecute the perpetrators.
The riots, which took place on the eve of the 1938 Nazi pogrom commemoration, shocked many in the Netherlands. Videos circulating online showed pro-Palestinian chants and violent assaults, including incidents where supporters set off fireworks and one video allegedly showing anti-Arab slogans. The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the “anti-Arab chants” and attacks on Palestinian symbols.
Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema confirmed the violence was unrelated to Middle Eastern protests, calling it outright criminal behavior. The head of the Netherlands’ Central Jewish Committee reported groups of assailants cornering Israeli targets, while Israeli President Isaac Herzog condemned the events as a “pogrom,” urging Dutch authorities to protect Israelis and Jews.
The unrest in Amsterdam has raised concerns about safety for Israeli fans in Europe, with Israel’s national security council advising fans to avoid other events in Europe amid fear of similar attacks.
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