Amsterdam Attacks on Israeli Fans: A Comedy of Errors?
Ah, Amsterdam—a city known for its canals, coffee shops, and the kind of chaotic charm that makes you think, “If it weren’t for the charming view, I’d be worried for my life.” Well, on November 8th, that charm took a backseat to a series of events that could only be described as a bad sitcom script gone horribly wrong. Who would’ve thought a Europa League football match could result in a full-scale melee reminiscent of that awkward family dinner where Uncle Kevin finally opens up about his conspiracy theories?
The Setup: A Match Made in Chaos
It was supposed to be just another evening of football—a clash between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv, where local loyalties and rivalries usually spark nothing more than a few heated exchanges over a pint. But hold your pint; things escalated quickly! Israeli media reported at least 10 casualties, while the Dutch police were doing their best impression of a deflated balloon, stating there were only five wounded. Talk about a game of numbers where everyone seems to lose!
With tensions already palpable, one can only imagine the scene as fans began to flock in, pro-Palestinian activists chanting ‘Free Palestine’ and Israeli fans trying to enjoy a football match without feeling like they just signed up for a round of dodgeball against angry locals.
And Then the Fireworks Came… Literally
Wednesday night saw a Palestinian flag getting ceremoniously yanked down from a building, further heightening the already charged atmosphere. It was like the finale of a fireworks display—except nobody was celebrating! Instead, they were scrambling to avoid the next conflagration. And of course, with Dutch authorities announcing that 62 people ended up in handcuffs, it begs the question: are they football fans or just enthusiastic participants in a spectacle nobody really asked for?
When the night eventually settled, police escorted Maccabi fans back to their hotels, creating visuals reminiscent of a kindergarten teacher leading a group of lost children. “Quickly now, back to safety before the weirdos take over!”
Spotlight on the Aftermath: Who’s Responsible?
Netanyahu labeled it a “pogrom,” which definitely adds a bit of flair to a night mostly filled with confusion and insecurity. Meanwhile, Amsterdam’s Mayor Femke Halsema promised a thorough investigation, saying, “We’ll find those responsible!” Which sounds a bit like the detective from a crime drama who’s always a step behind.
“I came on vacation and it’s like a war zone,” lamented one fan. No kidding, mate! That’s one hell of a holiday brochure faux pas.
Political Reactions: The Circus Continues
Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Dick Schoof, described the violence as “completely unacceptable,” adding to the cacophony of political rhetoric that seems to overshadow the original concern for safety. And let’s not forget Geert Wilders, whose comments sounded more like an audition for a role as the villain in a thriller than a genuine political discourse. If only we could harness that energy for something like… I don’t know, a football match that doesn’t end in chaos?
Conclusion: Is This What We’ve Come to?
As we wrap up this absurd carnival of clashing ideologies, football fandom, and political theatrics—one can’t help but chuckle and simultaneously cringe at the state of affairs. Is this really the best we can do? As we navigate through the tangled web of sports, politics, and social dynamics, one thing is abundantly clear: Amsterdam is calling, and they’re serving chaos with a side of confusion. Cheers to that!
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November 8, 2024
On Friday night in Amsterdam there were clashes between local residents and Israeli fans. Israeli media wrote about at least 10 casualties and the storming of a hotel housing Maccabi fans (Tel Aviv), while Dutch police reported five wounded. Israeli authorities called the night’s events a “pogrom” and an “anti-Semitic action,” and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised to send planes for his compatriots.
On Thursday evening, a Europa League football match took place between local Ajax and Israeli Maccabi. Just the day before, clashes began in Amsterdam between pro-Palestinian activists and fans who came to support the football club. As a result, 62 people were detained, and at least five Israelis were injured, according to police.
What happened
Photo copyright: Reuters
image captionPolice escorted Israeli fans to their hotels
Back on Wednesday, November 7, in Amsterdam it was like write local media, “restless.” On one of the central streets, a Palestinian flag was torn from the facade of a house, and in one of the squares, the police prevented a clash between a group of taxi drivers and people leaving a casino. Police linked this to football matches scheduled for Thursday – Amsterdam’s Ajax against Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv and AZ Alekmaar against Turkey’s Fenerbahce. About 2,600 people came to support Maccabi.
The uneasy situation continued on Thursday. Pro-Palestinian activists wanted to stage a demonstration near Ajax’s home stadium, the Johan Cruyff Arena, but Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema did not allow it, and the protest was moved to a square nearby. Despite the ban, about 300 people tried to break into the stadium, chanting the slogans “Free Palestine” and “Without justice there is no peace.” They told AT5 publication that the reason was incidents with the Palestinian flag.
Hundreds of Maccabi fans, meanwhile, gathered in the city center at Dam Square, where pro-Palestinian activists also came, setting off firecrackers and chanting anti-Israeli slogans.
By the start of the match the police detained about 20 people on suspicion of disturbing public order and possession of fireworks (this is prohibited in the Netherlands – minus New Year’s Eve).
By nightfall the situation worsened. Clashes broke out in Dam Square and other central areas and 62 people were detained.
How writes AT5 edition, when Maccabi fans were returning by metro from the stadium to the city center, police escorted them to their hotels. Some were taken away on buses for safety reasons.
Israeli fans told NOS that “many people came for them, Muslims who wanted to fight.” “They shouted at us, harassed us and shouted ‘Free Palestine.’ The police said that we should quickly return to the hotel. In the end we had to run away,” said one fan. “I came on vacation and it’s like a war zone,” said another.
Many of the fans want to return home to Israel earlier than originally planned, and Israeli airline El Al has promised to send additional planes.
Ajax matches often lead to the arrests of football fans – for example, at the end of 2023, 147 people were detained in Amsterdam on the day of the match with the Greek club AEK, and in September this year 14 people were detainedwhen Ajax played against the Turkish Besiktas. However, this time the Amsterdam police can’t sayWhether there are any football fans among the detainees is unclear based on their clothing and paraphernalia.
In Amsterdam, as in other Dutch cities, pro-Palestinian demonstrations often take place. For example, students at the University of Amsterdam arranged protests demanding an end to academic ties with Israel. However, they rarely lead to arrests.
Photo caption: 62 people were detained as a result of the unrestSubscribe to our social networks and newsletters
Reaction from Israel and the Netherlands
Authorities in Amsterdam said rioters were “actively looking for Israeli fans.” “This outbreak of violence against Israeli fans has crossed all boundaries and cannot be justified,” officials said at a press conference.
According to the Israeli Foreign Ministry, 10 Israelis were injured as a result of the unrest.
Amsterdam authorities confirmedthat there are wounded among the Israeli fans, but the police known only about five victims. At least seven people were admitted to city hospitals, but all of them have already been able to be discharged.
In Israel they are already calling the incident a pogrom. “This looks like a planned and organized pogrom in Amsterdam,” wrote former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Benet in H. Named riots “anti-Semitic pogrom” and the country’s president Isaac Herzog.
Current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there were “very violent incidents” targeting Israelis in Amsterdam. He promised to send two planes to get his fellow citizens out of the Netherlands.
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced about the start of a rescue operation coordinated with the Dutch government, which will involve cargo planes. However, soon the military statedthat, “following the political decision,” there will be no rescue operation.
Prime Minister of the Netherlands Dick Schof named “completely unacceptable anti-Semitic attacks on Israelis” and promised Netanyahu in a telephone conversation that those responsible would be found and brought to justice.
Schof said the attacks were evidence of growing anti-Semitism in the Netherlands.
“I am ashamed of what happened in the Netherlands,” Schof told reporters on the sidelines of a European summit in Budapest. “It was a terrible night.”
Schof said he would leave the summit early and return to the Netherlands.
Far-right politician Geert Wilders, whose party received the most votes in the last parliamentary elections in the Netherlands, wrote on social network X: “This is like hunting Jews on the streets of Amsterdam. The multicultural scum who attacked Maccabi Tel Aviv fans on our streets must be arrested and deported.”
This is not the first time Wilders has called for the deportation of pro-Palestinian protesters. At the beginning of October he posted a photograph of protesting activists holding a Palestinian flag and captioned it: “Get this bastard out of the country. AND [мэр Фемке] Halsema can [убраться прочь] along with them.”
In response, the heads of several Dutch cities expressed Halsema his support.
That the Dutch government is committed to ensuring the safety of all individuals, regardless of their background, and that such acts of violence will not be tolerated. He emphasized the importance of fostering a culture of respect and understanding among communities.
The situation has raised significant concerns over the safety of tourists and the rising tensions surrounding pro-Palestinian demonstrations in the Netherlands. Israeli officials have been vocal in condemning the attacks, calling on the Dutch government to take firm action against those responsible.
In light of the unrest, many Israeli fans and citizens in the Netherlands have expressed their desire to return home sooner than planned. El Al, Israel’s national airline, has responded by offering additional flights to accommodate these urgent requests.
The recent incidents in Amsterdam underscore a growing trend of unrest linked to geopolitical issues, as football matches increasingly intersect with political tensions. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and are prepared to take additional measures to ensure public safety in the face of ongoing demonstrations and conflicts.
