| BREAKING: Jews Attacked in Amsterdam ‘We were ambushed’: At least ten injured, three missing in Amsterdam pogrom |
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On Thursday night, Israeli soccer fans in Amsterdam were targeted in a series of violent, apparently organized attacks following a Europa League match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax. The incident has drawn strong condemnation from leaders in Israel and the Netherlands, who have decried the antisemitic nature of the assaults. According to reports, groups of masked assailants ambushed Israeli fans, who were in the Dutch capital to support Maccabi Tel Aviv. Shouting slogans like “Free Palestine,” the attackers reportedly harassed, beat, and chased Israelis as they attempted to make their way from the stadium to their hotels. Video footage on social media revealed scenes of Israelis fleeing and, in some cases, being assaulted on the ground. Israeli fans recounted instances of being followed through alleyways and train stations by groups armed with knives, clubs, and firecrackers. Some witnesses likened the atmosphere to a “pogrom,” with one fan describing the event as “Kristallnacht 2.” Many fans reported feeling abandoned by Dutch authorities, who, they said, had not provided adequate police protection and were slow to respond as the violence unfolded. It took an hour and a half for police intervention to arrive, fans claimed, and even then, some officers appeared reluctant to confront the attackers. The Israeli government responded quickly, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu authorizing military planes to fly Israelis home from Amsterdam. Israel’s Foreign Ministry urged its citizens to remain indoors, advising them to avoid displaying visible signs of their nationality or religion in public. The ministry also stressed that it held Dutch authorities accountable for the security of Israeli nationals during their time in the country. By Friday morning, the ministry reported that local security forces had been deployed in key areas, ensuring it was safe for Israelis to head to the airport for their flights home. In the Netherlands, political leaders also condemned the attacks. Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof denounced the violence as “unacceptable,” vowing that those responsible would be prosecuted. Geert Wilders, a prominent figure in the Netherlands’ far-right party, called the incident a “Jew hunt” and a “pogrom in the streets of Amsterdam,” describing it as a source of shame for his country. This disturbing episode has added to the sense of insecurity that Israelis and Jews in Europe have faced recently, particularly in the wake of the October 7 attacks. The Amsterdam assault serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment, leaving many to wonder what steps can be taken to ensure the safety of Jewish communities and visitors across the continent. |
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