Leaders of Israel and the Netherlands condemn 'anti-Semitic' attacks on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans in Amsterdam

AMSTERDAM (AP) — Anti-Semitic rioters “actively sought out Israeli supporters to attack and assault them” after a soccer match, Amsterdam authorities said Friday as Israel said it was sending planes to the Dutch capital to fly fans home.

An unknown number of Israeli supporters were injured in Thursday evening’s violence, which was condemned as anti-Semitic by the leaders of both the Netherlands and Israel.

A statement from the municipality, the police and the Public Prosecution Service of the Dutch capital said that the evening after the Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv “was very turbulent with several incidents of violence directed against Maccabi supporters.”

Nothing could yet be said about the number of injuries and arrests.

The violence broke out on Thursday despite a ban on a pro-Palestinian demonstration near the football stadium imposed by Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema, who feared clashes would break out between demonstrators and supporters of the Israeli football club.

Israel ordered two planes to be sent to the Dutch capital to bring the Israelis home.

“The Prime Minister has ordered that two rescue planes be sent immediately to help our citizens,” said a statement from Benjamin Netanyahu’s office.

It added that “the harsh images of the attack on our citizens in Amsterdam will not be overlooked,” and that Netanyahu “views the horrific incident with the utmost seriousness.” He demanded that the Dutch government take “strong and rapid action” against those involved. .

Netanyahu’s office added that he had called for greater security for the Jewish community in the Netherlands.

Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof said on X that he followed reports about the violence ‘with horror’.

“Completely unacceptable anti-Semitic attacks on Israelis. I am in close contact with all those involved,” he added, saying he had spoken to Netanyahu and “emphasized that the perpetrators will be tracked down and prosecuted. It is now quiet in the capital.”

Geert Wilders, the far-right nationalist lawmaker whose Freedom Party won elections in the Netherlands last year and who is a staunch ally of Israel, responded to a video apparently showing a Maccabi fan surrounded by several men.

“It looks like a hunt for Jews in the streets of Amsterdam. Arrest and deport the multicultural scum who attacked Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters in our streets. Ashamed that this can happen in the Netherlands. Totally unacceptable,” said Wilders.

Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon also condemned the violence in a post on social media platform X.

Ajax won the Europa League match 5-0.