Israeli Soccer Fans Attacked In Amsterdam, Netanyahu Sends Rescue Planes
Pro-Palestinian protests in Amsterdam escalated into violent confrontations
involving Israeli soccer fans following a Europa League match between Maccabi
Tel Aviv and Ajax. The incidents, which occurred on November 7 and 8, 2024,
led to significant injuries among Israeli supporters and prompted strong
reactions from both Israeli and Dutch officials.
In several videos widely shared on social media, some assailants were also seen carrying Palestinian flags and shouting “Free Palestine", while they also forced those attacked to chant the slogan.
After the match, which Ajax won 5-0, groups of individuals reportedly ambushed
Israeli fans as they left the stadium. The attacks were characterized by
Anti-Semitic chants and physical assaults, with one fan recounting being
attacked by a group that shouted "Jewish, Jewish, IDF, IDF" while they were
beaten.
At least ten Israeli nationals were injured during these altercations, with
five hospitalized. The Dutch police arrested around 62 individuals in
connection with the violence. Videos circulated on social media showing the
chaotic scenes and assaults taking place in the streets of Amsterdam.
The scenes from Amsterdam remind us all of Europe’s darkest days.
— יאיר לפיד - Yair Lapid (@yairlapid) November 8, 2024
Jews being hunted and beaten on the streets of Europe should be a wake up call for anyone who still needs it about the rise of antisemitism and the dangers of extremism.
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https://t.co/rKbNcUdDiN
In response to the violence, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the attacks as "grave" and announced plans to send rescue planes to evacuate affected citizens. Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the dispatch of two planes to Amsterdam to evacuate Israeli soccer fans who were attacked by an alleged Pro-Palestinian mob on Thursday night.
However, this decision was later revised to focus on
coordinating civil aviation solutions instead of a military rescue mission.
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof labelled the attacks as "utterly intolerable"
and assured that those responsible would be prosecuted. He emphasized that the
situation had stabilized after initial unrest.
The clashes occurred despite a ban on pro-Palestinian demonstrations near the
stadium due to concerns over potential violence. Prior to the match, tensions
were high as pro-Palestinian activists attempted to protest against Maccabi
Tel Aviv's presence in Amsterdam. The police had increased their presence in
anticipation of possible conflicts, which ultimately materialized after the
game.
Local Jewish communities expressed fear and concern over the incidents, with
some fans seeking refuge in hotels until it was safe to leave. Reports
indicated that many felt genuinely threatened by the violence, marking a
significant escalation in Anti-Semitic incidents in the Netherlands.
The situation remains tense as authorities continue to investigate the events
surrounding this violent outbreak and work to ensure the safety of all
citizens involved.
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