On Thursday night, Amsterdam witnessed a troubling episode of antisemitic violence that has drawn condemnation from various leaders, including Dutch populist Geert Wilders. He characterized the incident as a “pogrom” as masked attackers roamed the streets, targeting and assaulting supporters of the Israeli soccer team Maccabi Tel Aviv following a match against the local Ajax team. Witnesses reported chaos and aggression, as the assailants screamed “Free Palestine” while hunting down Israelis, raising serious concerns about public safety and the efficacy of local law enforcement in protecting citizens and tourists alike.
Wilders took to social media to express his outrage, calling the events a “Jew hunt” and demanding that those responsible be arrested and deported. His forceful statements reflect not only a personal condemnation of the violence but also a broader concern for the state of civil order in the Netherlands. He further proclaimed that Amsterdam had become “the Gaza of Europe” and vowed to hold authorities accountable for their failure to shield Israeli visitors from the violence. His remarks resonate with a growing sentiment among nationalists across Europe, who criticize the multiculturalism they believe contributes to societal discord and unrest.
Following the attacks, reports indicated that ten Israelis were hospitalized while others were left without communication with their families. Many were trapped in hotels due to fears of further violence. Observers noted that the violence appeared to be largely driven by local Muslim and Arab groups who exhibited a highly coordinated barrage against the Israelis present. This alarming trend of targeted aggression against Jews in Europe raises significant alarm bells and highlights the need for a more robust response from authorities to safeguard vulnerable communities.
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof condemned the incidents as “unacceptable antisemitic attacks,” vowing to work with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to ensure that those responsible would face justice. This promise to prosecute the assailants reflects a growing recognition of the threat posed by antisemitism in the Netherlands and throughout Europe. Meanwhile, U.S. Ambassador to Combat Antisemitism Deborah Lipstadt expressed her horror at the events, drawing a parallel between the incidents in Amsterdam and historic pogroms against Jews, further emphasizing the need for a comprehensive inquiry into how security measures failed during a prolonged period of violence.
The violence inflicted on Israeli fans was particularly poignant as it occurred just days before the anniversary of Reichspogromnacht, a historical event marked by state-sanctioned violence against Jews in Nazi Germany. Israeli President Isaac Herzog remarked on the severity of the attacks, stating they serve as a dire warning to any nation claiming to uphold the values of freedom and civil order. His comments frame the attacks not merely as isolated incidents of violence, but as part of a broader, unsettling pattern that threatens the security and dignity of Jewish communities globally.
In response to the unrest, local authorities announced plans to enhance police presence in Amsterdam and boost security measures around Jewish institutions, recognizing the city’s significant Jewish heritage. The escalation of violence outside the Ajax stadium occurred despite the mayor’s ban on a pro-Palestinian demonstration in the area, revealing a breakdown in preemptive security measures and risk assessment. As the situation develops, it is crucial for the Netherlands to confront the challenges of rising antisemitism and ensure the safety of all citizens while addressing the underlying tensions that fuel such civil unrest.
