The attack on Israeli fans shouting “Free Palestine” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: “It’s like Kristallnacht” Mass attack
09 November 2024
A “Jew hunt” that the Israeli Prime Minister, Benyamin Netanyahu, defined as “Night of Broken Glass”, evoking the wave of anti-Semitic pogroms that broke out in Nazi Germany between 9 and 10 November 1938, the anniversary of which is. A “premeditated and unacceptable act” according to Netanyahu, and not a clash between opposing fans. In Amsterdam, last night, fans of the Maccabi Tel Aviv football team, after the Europa League match against Ajax, were attacked by pro-Palestine groups. The toll is 10 injured Israeli supporters and around 67 arrests made in total during the day by the Dutch police. Although most of those arrested were released. However, in the evening, after the meeting with the new Israeli Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, the Dutch Justice Minister, David van Weel, announced on X: «I underlined that the Netherlands strongly condemns the violence and that there is no ‘It is a place for hatred and anti-Semitism. The culprits will be tracked down and prosecuted.”
Videos have been released on social media where the attackers, using bars, stones, kicks and punches, order a victim (identified as Jewish) to shout “free Palestine”. A real assault which, given how it occurred, would suggest premeditation. “The fans who came to support Maccabi were thrown into the river, they were kicked while they were on the ground, they had to deny they were Jewish: just terrible,” said Maccabi Tel Aviv club CEO Ben Mansford.
According to the Dutch police, however, some disorder also occurred the previous afternoon when some Israeli fans stole a Palestinian flag hanging from a window and chanted anti-Palestine slogans.
And precisely because of the security risk of the match linked to what is happening in the Middle East, on Wednesday the mayor of Amsterdam, Femke Halsema, banned a pro-Palestine demonstration that would have taken place near the Johan Cruijff stadium.
But it was not enough to avert the violence. At the end of the match, in fact, the Maccabi fans, of which the far-right fringe «Maccabi fanatics» is twinned with that of the «Ultras Amsterdam», among other things self-called «Superjews», were attacked by pro-Palestine groups composed of , according to initial information, by Arab and Turkish immigrants. A real Jew hunt that produced no victims, but only minor injuries. Late yesterday afternoon, thanks to the airlift ordered by Netanyahu, the first fans returned to Israel. But the gravity of what happened remains, which has also raised security levels for the basketball match scheduled last night at the Unipol Arena in Casalecchio between Virtus Bologna and Maccabi Tel Aviv. While the synagogues of Amsterdam were patrolled by the police during Shabbat night.
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Meanwhile, the Israeli prime minister asked the Mossad to prepare “lines of action within the Israeli warning system” in the event of possible situations similar to the one that occurred in Amsterdam. The phenomenon of anti-Semitism, in fact, increased after Israel’s response on Gaza to the terrorist attack of 7 October 2023. And while the statements of European leaders, and not only, condemn the attack in Amsterdam as an anti-Semitic action, Hamas and The PNA believe that the situation in the Strip, under continuous bombardment, somehow justifies the aggression in the Netherlands.
Specifically, the terrorist group speaks of “spontaneous consequences” of the “continuing genocide” in the Gaza Strip which continues “without the international community intervening”. While the Foreign Ministry of the Palestinian Authority condemns “the anti-Arab chants and barbaric acts committed for three consecutive days by fans of an Israeli football team in Amsterdam”. But closeness to Israel has been expressed by many. The Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, on the sidelines of the informal European Council in Budapest, expressed deep concern to the Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof for the aggression suffered by Israeli fans: «The rampant anti-Semitism – she said – is unacceptable and frightening and is our duty to guarantee full safety to citizens of the Jewish religion.” While the Dutch king, Willem-Alexander, spoke to President Isaac Herzog, expressing “deep horror and shock”. And the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said she was “outraged by the cowardly attacks”. Even the UN expressed “strong concern”.
But the news of the “Kristallnacht” in Amsterdam also includes the news, broadcast by the Israeli TV Kan, according to which Qatar had communicated to the leaders of Hamas, still guests in Doha, that they were no longer welcome. The decision would be the result of growing US pressure, even if the Palestinian group had already become an uncomfortable presence for the Gulf country for some time.
#dozens #injured #arrested #embarrassment #left #Tempo
**Interview with Dr. Anna Pertman, Middle East Relations Expert**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Pertman. It appears that a recent attack on Israeli football fans in Amsterdam has drawn significant international attention. What are your initial thoughts on this incident?
**Dr. Pertman:** Thank you for having me. This incident is deeply concerning. The language used by Prime Minister Netanyahu, comparing this attack to Kristallnacht, evokes painful historical memories and underscores the severity of anti-Semitism and violence that targeted the Jewish community. What we saw in Amsterdam goes beyond typical fan rivalries; it seems to be part of a growing trend of politically motivated violence against Jewish individuals and communities.
**Interviewer:** Can you elaborate on the notion of a “premeditated attack” as mentioned in the reports? What evidence suggests this might not be a spontaneous reaction?
**Dr. Pertman:** The way the attack was executed—using bars, stones, and coordinated chanting—indicates a level of planning that goes beyond a typical matchday skirmish. The attackers were reportedly targeting Jewish fans specifically and demanded that they shout “Free Palestine,” suggesting a clear intent to intimidate and demoralize, rather than just a spontaneous reaction to a football match. Video evidence showing the brutality of the assault reinforces this notion.
**Interviewer:** The Dutch police have stated that some disorder occurred involving Israeli fans prior to the attack. How important is context when discussing the actions of both pro-Palestinian groups and Israeli supporters?
**Dr. Pertman:** Context is always crucial, especially in conflict situations like this. It’s important to acknowledge any provocations or inflammatory actions on both sides. However, while the actions of individual fans may have contributed to a charged atmosphere, they do not justify a violent and organized attack against a targeted group based solely on their identity.
**Interviewer:** This event has raised concerns about rising anti-Semitism in Europe. What measures should be taken to address this growing menace?
**Dr. Pertman:** Governments must take a firm stance against anti-Semitic acts, not only through legislation but also by fostering an environment of tolerance and education. Community engagement and dialogue are essential to build understanding and counteract hate. Furthermore, robust law enforcement responses to such violent incidents can serve to deter future attacks and show that hate-based violence will not be tolerated.
**Interviewer:** How might this incident affect broader Israeli-Palestinian relations and sentiments within Europe, particularly regarding the ongoing conflict?
**Dr. Pertman:** Unfortunately, incidents like this can further entrench divisions. It sends shockwaves through Jewish communities in Europe, causing fear and a sense of vulnerability. Conversely, it can lead to calls among Palestinian supporters to justify escalating tensions in response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. What is critical now is finding ways to communicate the need for peaceful dialogue and understanding, even amidst such escalating animosity.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. Pertman. It’s clear that this incident is part of a larger and more troubling narrative that requires urgent attention.
**Dr. Pertman:** Thank you for discussing this important issue. We must remain vigilant and committed to countering hate in all its forms.
