By Amsterdam authorities reported Friday that five people were hospitalized and 62 arrested following what they described as systematic antisemitic violence targeting Israeli soccer fans after Thursday’s Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv.
The attacks prompted swift diplomatic response, with Israeli Foreign Minister rushing to the Netherlands and both countries’ leaders condemning the violence. Amsterdam police announced a major investigation into multiple violent incidents and increased security measures around Jewish institutions in the city.
“This outburst of violence toward Israeli supporters is unacceptable and cannot be defended in any way. There is no excuse for the antisemitic behavior exhibited last night,” said a joint statement from Amsterdam’s municipality, police, and prosecution office. The statement detailed how rioters “actively sought out Israeli supporters to attack and assault them” despite heavy police presence.
Local authorities had anticipated potential unrest, with Mayor Femke Halsema banning a pro-Palestinian demonstration near the Johan Cruyff Arena. Before the match, Dutch broadcaster NOS reported confrontations as riot police blocked pro-Palestinian supporters attempting to march toward the stadium, and a Palestinian flag was torn from a building in the city center.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office declared that “the harsh pictures of the assault on our citizens in Amsterdam will not be overlooked,” demanding “vigorous and swift action” from Dutch authorities. Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof responded on social media that he followed events “with horror” and assured Netanyahu that “perpetrators will be tracked down and prosecuted.”
The violence highlights growing security concerns around matches involving Israeli teams across Europe. Belgium’s soccer federation recently declined to host a Nations League game against Israel, which was subsequently played behind closed doors in Hungary.
UEFA, European soccer’s governing body, now faces pressure to review security arrangements for upcoming matches involving Israeli teams, including Israel’s Nations League game against France in Paris next Thursday and Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Europa League fixture against Besiktas in Istanbul on November 28.
Amsterdam officials announced enhanced police patrols in coming days and strengthened security around Jewish institutions in the city, historically home to a significant Jewish community and Anne Frank’s hiding place during World War II.
The match itself, which Ajax won 5-0, was overshadowed by the subsequent violence. Israeli authorities initially planned to send two planes to evacuate their citizens but later indicated they would arrange alternative civil aviation solutions for their return.
