‘Hunted, beaten’: pro-Palestinian demonstrators attack Israelis in Amsterdam on camera

Last updated:Nov 8, 2024 5:55 PM IST

After a football match in Amsterdam, fans of Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv were attacked by attackers, some of whom carried Palestinian flags.

Israeli football fans attacked in Amsterdam (video screenshots/social media)

Hundreds of Maccabi Tel Aviv fans were reportedly attacked in the streets of Amsterdam on Thursday after the Israeli football team lost to local club Ajax. Several videos shared widely on social media also showed some attackers carrying Palestinian flags and shouting “Free Palestine,” while also forcing those attacked to chant the slogan.

According to AFP news agency, the Israeli government said it was sending planes to evacuate affected civilians.

In an X-post, Israel’s opposition leader Yair Lapid said: “The scenes from Amsterdam remind us of Europe’s darkest days. That Jews are being hunted and beaten on the streets of Europe should be a wake-up call to anyone who still needs to know about the rise of anti-Semitism and the dangers of extremism.”

“I call on the Dutch government to find and bring to justice every perpetrator of these hate crimes,” he added.

The Israeli embassy in the US said the “soccer team was ambushed and attacked this evening in Amsterdam as they left the stadium after a match against Ajax.”

The embassy released two helpline numbers and also stated that Israelis needing assistance should call one of the two numbers.

The embassy also shared a video of the attack on the X-handle.

(The following video contains sensitive images and abuse. Viewers are advised to review carefully).

Israel’s former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, in a self-released video on .

Meanwhile, the Times of Israel, citing multiple reports, said several Israelis were injured in the attack. It also said the passports of some of the targeted Israelis were stolen by the attackers.

According to The Jerusalem Post, a Spanish newspaper reported on Monday that a pro-Palestinian group planned to protest outside the stadium where the football match was being held. The group also planned to target the Israeli team and its fans, the group said.

The report added that the NL Times reported on Thursday that several people had been arrested for rioting.

In an Pro-Hamas hate gangs attack Jewish fans in the streets of Amsterdam. They are hit, kicked, run over and thrown into the river.”

“In one case, a fan was reportedly held against his will until he said ‘Free Palestine.’ When terrorist sympathizers sing “globalize” the Intifada, this is what it looks like. These are all anti-Jewish hate crimes, plain and simple. ,” (sic), she added.

NETANYAHU RESPONDS

In a statement from his office, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the violence “severe” and said he was ordering the “immediate release of two rescue planes” to help Israeli civilians, CNN reported.

He also urged Dutch authorities to “take strong and swift action against the rioters and ensure the peace of our citizens.”

Israel’s Foreign Ministry said Friday that about 30 people have been arrested so far. The statement did not say when these arrests occurred or who was arrested.

Also commenting on the issue, Israeli President Isaac Herzog wrote in an against Maccabi Tel Aviv fans and Israeli citizens in the heart of Amsterdam, Netherlands.”

“This is a serious incident, a warning sign for any country that wants to uphold the values ​​of freedom. I fully support the cooperation now taking place between the governments, and trust that the authorities in the Netherlands will act immediately and take all necessary measures to protect, locate and rescue all Israelis and Jews under attack, and to to eradicate violence. against Jewish and Israeli citizens by any means necessary,” he added.

EU president condemns attack

European Union President Ursula von der Leyen condemned the attack and said anti-Semitism has absolutely no place in Europe.

FOOTBALL-MAN UNITED EARN FIRST WIN

Manchester United secured their first Europa League victory with a 2-0 victory over PAOK, Tottenham Hotspur’s perfect start ended with a 3-2 defeat at Galatasaray and Lazio top the table after a 2-1 win over Porto on Thursday.

Ajax walked to a 5-0 victory Maccabi Tel Aviv, Athletic Bilbao came from behind to beat Ludogorets 2-1, and Anderlecht were denied a chance to join Lazio as a late own goal earned them a draw in Latvia at RFS.

A brace from Amad Diallo gave United their first success in this season’s competition under interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy after they had drawn their previous three matches with Erik ten Hag in charge.