Antisemitic Violence in Amsterdam: A Stark Reminder of History in 2024

In a disturbing echo of the past, Jews are being brutally attacked and maimed while desperately trying to flee the streets of Europe.

One would think that the year was 1939, a time marked by terror and persecution. Alas, it is now 2024.

Jews – notably but not only Israelis – continue to be victims of antisemitic, premeditated lynchings. Shockingly, police and security forces appear to collude by standing idly by, neglecting their duty to protect citizens from these heinous crimes against humanity.

This horrifying scenario may sound all too familiar.

This is Amsterdam, mere days before the somber anniversary of Kristallnacht, which marked a pivotal moment in Jewish history when violence was unleashed against the Jewish community. GAZING AT the carnage of Kristallnacht, November 1938. (credit: Wikimedia Commons)

This is the Holland of Anne Frank, a symbol of innocence lost, and the very country where countless Jews were led to slaughter by the Nazis during the Holocaust.

When will the global community wake up and declare, ENOUGH! NEVER AGAIN!

Over 3,000 Maccabi Tel Aviv fans descended on Amsterdam’s Johan Cruyff Arena for a high-stakes soccer match against Ajax, recognized as one of the most pro-Israel clubs globally, during the UEFA Europa League competition.

While the yellow-and-blue Maccabi squad was defeated 5-0 on the field, the true nightmare unfolded only after the match, escalating from distressing to truly horrifying for the Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters.

A violent attack toward Israelis, Jews

In well-coordinated assaults by pro-Hamas and radical Islamist mobs, fans were brutally surrounded and attacked. They were beaten, harassed, violated, and lynched all over the city of Amsterdam. In a shocking violation of safety, no place was truly safe for the supporters, as assaults erupted on the streets, in crowded squares, on public transport, and even in taxis. Innocent Jews were left bloodied, bruised, unconscious, and needing medical attention.

The Maccabi fans scattered in every direction, seeking safety in buildings, hotels—any place where they could escape the onslaught of violence.

Some of the assaulted fans required hospitalization, while others were unaccounted for for several hours; thankfully, all were eventually located.

Fans were forewarned against taking taxis, as drivers were reportedly in collusion with the mob. Additional warnings urged supporters to stay off the streets and secure themselves in their hotels, while the mob continued to unleash terror by igniting fireworks and chanting, “Death to Israel, death to the Jews.”

The violent mob stole passports, wallets, and phones from the fans, eager to inflict harm at every street corner.

Maccabi Tel Aviv owner Mitch Goldhar and representative Jack Angelides chose not to return to Israel immediately after the game; instead, they took it upon themselves to check on fans’ safety in various hotels following the violent attacks. The club’s CEO, Ben Mansford, shared his deep concerns about the distressing situation that unfolded post-game.

“It’s difficult to process this personally. Football and passions can overrun, and some use it as an excuse to cause problems. But what we witnessed had nothing to do with football. We feel the solidarity from our fellow clubs in Israel and across Europe. The entire world recognizes that this violence transcends the realm of sports; it embodies something much more profound and frightening. The stark contrast of experiencing an exhilarating football game, only to confront the chaos that ensued, has left us in fear and bewilderment,” he stated.

The Israel Foreign Ministry urged fans to conceal any outward symbols of Judaism and Israel, advising them to download the Home Front Command app for the latest updates on how to securely escape the chaos and return to the Holy Land.

Maccabi Tel Aviv fans who were scheduled to travel to Bologna for the club’s Euroleague basketball game received advisories to refrain from attending due to the looming threat of similar copycat attacks.

Head coach Oded Katash expressed his dismay about the violent incidents, stating, “We woke up this morning to hear about what transpired in Amsterdam. It’s deeply disturbing, not just for sports, but also in relation to us as Israelis. We feel sorrow for those who endured such a traumatic experience. This is serious and will likely resonate with all of us. Let’s hope for better days ahead.”

In a gesture of support, El Al operated nonstop flights on Shabbat from Amsterdam to Israel at no cost for passengers seeking to escape the life-threatening situation that unfolded in this globally renowned city.

Despite being forewarned about the likelihood of riots and pogroms against Jews and Israelis, local security forces failed to take appropriate action, effectively allowing the violence to erupt unchecked. Shockingly, no arrests have been made for the brutal street assaults, while there were some arrests for incidents that occurred within the confines of the stadium.

The hostility towards Jews remains a global threat, aiming for their destruction and the degradation of the democratic State of Israel.

This rampant aggression is permitted to continue unabated in cities across Europe and, more recently, in the United States and Canada, where Jews and Israelis face threats, denigration, bullying, and violent intimidation.

Whether at synagogues, Jewish community centers, or universities, Jews remain vulnerable targets that are currently unprotected.

Politicians around the globe love to grandstand, making loud condemnations and delivering hollow statements. This merely illustrates their lack of genuine action. When will they grasp that those intent on wiping Jews and Israel from existence have no interest in dialogue, recognizing all too well that words lack substance?

The only language that will resonate with these violent extremists is action – a necessity that must be acknowledged before it is too late.

When will the West wake up and understand?

Sports clubs, leagues, and associations across Israel have issued statements of support against rising antisemitism, with even some of Maccabi’s archrivals expressing solidarity, acknowledging that every one of them and their fan bases could become targets during European competitions.

However, a critical issue lies within UEFA, which oversees such competitions.

Earlier in the week, Paris Saint-Germain fans displayed a massive “Free Palestine” banner adorned with a photo of a masked terrorist during their Champions League match against Atletico Madrid. UEFA, astonishingly, has taken no punitive action against the club regarding this violation.

PSG is owned by Qatar Sports Investment, the same entity that has been linked with harboring Hamas terrorists and opponents of Israel.

Even if local authorities assure the safety of Jewish and Israeli attendees at upcoming matches, will it genuinely be safe?

Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar visited Holland to consult with his counterpart, ensuring that Israelis could leave the country safely, while seeking explanations for the horrific events that unfolded in Amsterdam.

This is far from what Maccabi fans anticipated when they traveled to enjoy a sporting event abroad—an experience that should have been devoid of such treachery.

But have they received a single word of solidarity from Ajax? Have they heard anything from UEFA? What about the local police and politicians in Holland? They all seem inclined to divert blame elsewhere while perceiving the situation as overly complex, merely because Jews are involved.

A complex response to violence

UEFA’s response illustrates the troubling attitude toward these incidents: “UEFA strongly condemns the incidents and acts of violence that occurred last night in the city of Amsterdam before and after the Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv. We trust that the relevant authorities will identify and charge as many of those responsible for such actions as possible. UEFA will inspect all official reports, gather available evidence, and determine any further appropriate actions in line with its regulatory framework.”

Ajax stated, “After a sporting football match characterized by a good atmosphere in our stadium—for which we thank all parties involved for their cooperation—we were horrified to learn of the violence that erupted in central Amsterdam last night. We strongly condemn this violence.”

It’s distressingly clear that they all wish to overlook these brutal incidents and pretend as if they never transpired.

Their ignorance and inaction could lead to their ultimate downfall at the hands of the very mob that is gaining influence worldwide. As previously mentioned, the lack of arrests further casts a shadow on how seriously authorities are taking these horrendous events.

Thankfully, Jews and Israelis around the globe have a sanctuary in the State of Israel.

Although the nation faces its challenges, enduring attacks and grappling with conflict, it remains a land that actively protects Jews and honors their right to exist free from persecution.

This is a promise that was not comprehensible in 1939, nor should it ever be taken for granted.

**Interview with Dr. Rebecca Stein, a historian specializing in Jewish studies and antisemitism, on the recent violent attacks against Jewish supporters in Amsterdam.**

**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. ​Stein. Given the harrowing events in Amsterdam following the Maccabi Tel Aviv match, can you provide some context on ⁢why these attacks are particularly significant in today’s climate?

**Dr. Stein:** Thank you for having me. These attacks resonate deeply because they echo the‍ darkest chapters of​ Jewish history, ⁣particularly the violence that preceded World War II. We are witnessing a concerning ‌resurgence of antisemitism ‌that is not just a relic of the past but a growing threat, particularly in Europe. The ‌parallels to Kristallnacht⁤ are alarming as it marks a time ⁤of unchecked violence against ⁣Jews — a moment that we thought‌ we had learned from.

**Editor:** Indeed. The attacks in‌ Amsterdam have raised questions about⁤ the role of local authorities and security forces.⁤ How do you assess their response during these incidents?

**Dr. Stein:** The lack of action from local police and security forces is troubling and raises serious questions about their commitment to public safety for all citizens. It appears there was a ⁤failure to anticipate and mitigate violence against Jews, despite warnings of⁤ potential unrest. This passivity allows hatred to⁢ flourish and sends a dangerous message: that violence against⁣ Jews may go ⁣unchecked.

**Editor:** What impact do you think these violent incidents will have on the Jewish community both in Europe and globally?

**Dr. Stein:** The ramifications are profound. Fear is ⁤a powerful force, and ‍incidents​ like these can lead to increased anxiety within ‌Jewish communities, making them feel vulnerable and isolated. It⁢ might also discourage Jewish participation in public ​life, including cultural and sporting events, which is ⁤a loss ⁣not just for the community but for ⁤society as ‌a whole. There’s an⁣ urgent need for solidarity and visibility among all communities fighting against‌ hate.

**Editor:** There‌ has been a call for the global community to take a firm stand against antisemitism.⁣ In your ⁢opinion, what specific actions should be⁢ prioritized to combat this rising threat?

**Dr. Stein:** Action must range from grassroots activism to robust ⁣governmental⁢ policies. Governments must not ⁤only⁢ condemn antisemitic actions but also⁤ provide real protections for Jewish communities, including education about antisemitism in schools, legal‌ actions against hate‍ crimes, and support for community safety‌ initiatives. International sports bodies like UEFA also need to enforce stricter ‌regulations against racism⁣ and antisemitism within their leagues to ensure ⁢that events do ‌not become a ​breeding ground for hate.

**Editor:** With the backdrop of the anniversary of Kristallnacht approaching, how do you think we can ensure that ‍this history ‍does not repeat itself?

**Dr. Stein:** Remembering the past is crucial. We need ⁤to educate future generations about the​ Holocaust ‍and the perils of unchecked hatred.⁣ However,⁣ memory alone is not sufficient. It must be coupled with action and awareness in the present. The mantra of “Never Again” must evolve into⁤ an active commitment to ‍safeguarding all communities against hate. We ⁤cannot afford to ⁢be complacent; we⁣ must remain ‌vigilant and proactive.

**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Stein, for ⁤sharing your insights‍ on this deeply concerning ‍issue. Your perspective is invaluable as we navigate these troubling times.

**Dr. ⁢Stein:** Thank you⁢ for ‌having me. I ⁣hope that through awareness and solidarity, we can cultivate a future ‍where such violence ⁤is truly unimaginable.