Hundreds of Arab residents of Amsterdam orchestrated violent attacks against Israeli soccer team Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters late Thursday night, following a soccer match against Dutch soccer team Ajax, in what witnesses described as pre-planned assaults across multiple locations.
The Dutch police stated that "five injured people were evacuated to the hospital and 62 people were arrested. The police are aware of reports about a possible hostage situation and missing persons, but currently, there is no confirmation that this occurred. This aspect is also under investigation."
Currently, local authorities in Amsterdam say they have no reports of missing persons related to the attacks. The situation is now being handled exclusively by Israel's Foreign Ministry, which has established protocols for the returning supporters and is coordinating all response efforts.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) has also initiated an immediate response to the crisis. "Following the severe attacks against Israeli citizens in Amsterdam, and under direction from political leadership, the IDF is launching an immediate rescue mission in coordination with Dutch authorities," an IDF spokesperson announced. The operation will deploy transport aircraft equipped with medical and rescue personnel.
Medical reports confirm that 12 fans sustained injuries, while others sought shelter in local businesses and various safe locations throughout the city. Dutch police evacuated numerous Israelis to their hotels after witnesses reported coordinated ambushes at predetermined locations outside the stadium.
"We're facing hundreds of attackers"
The chaos prompted desperate calls for help on social media, including from a fan who posted an urgent appeal on X to locate a missing friend.
Horrifying scenes in Amsterdam of attempted lynching of Jews by terror supporters. Amsterdam, where are your police?! Jews were beaten by mobs of Arabs and some even jumped into the canals to get away from violent mobs.
Shameful, unacceptable. pic.twitter.com/lr7m4rf8bm
— Emily Schrader - אמילי שריידר امیلی شریدر (@emilykschrader) November 8, 2024
"We're facing hundreds of attackers. The situation is chaotic, and people need immediate evacuation. Several are injured," one fan reported. "They're targeting fans near hotel entrances and central square."
Jonathan, another victim, described his experience: "We were attacked by Arabs near our hotel but managed to escape without serious injury. We're trapped in our room without phone access, too frightened to go to the lobby."
Government response
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with his Dutch counterpart, Dick Schoof, emphasizing the importance of protecting all Israelis in the Netherlands.
Netanyahu strongly condemned the antisemitic attack and requested increased security for the Jewish community in the country. Schoof expressed shock at the events, describing them as having an exceptionally antisemitic character. "I followed the news from Amsterdam with horror. Completely unacceptable antisemitic attacks on Israelis," he wrote on X. "The perpetrators will be tracked down and prosecuted."
A pogrom in the streets of #Amsterdam.
We have become the Gaza of Europe.
Muslims with Palestinian flags hunting down Jews.
I will NOT accept that. NEVER.
The authorities will be held accountable for their failure to protect the Israeli citizens.
Never again.
— Geert Wilders (@geertwilderspvv) November 8, 2024
Meanwhile, Dutch right-wing leader Geert Wilders responded strongly to the events, writing on his X account: "A pogrom in the streets of Amsterdam. We have become the Gaza of Europe. Muslims with Palestinian flags hunting down Jews. I will not accept that. Never."
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir urgently requested the Foreign Ministry address the escalating situation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the newly appointed Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar are actively monitoring developments and coordinating with emergency response teams at the scene.
Opposition Leader Yair Lapid drew historical parallels: "These Amsterdam scenes evoke Europe's darkest chapters. The sight of Jews being hunted and beaten on European streets must serve as a wake-up call regarding the surge in antisemitism and the threats of extremism."
Israel's Ambassador to the Netherlands, Modi Ephraim, is spearheading protection efforts for the affected Israelis. He reported that Dutch authorities have deployed 600 police officers to secure hotels housing the fans.
The Foreign Ministry expressed grave concern about the situation. "We view these events with utmost severity, particularly the continued lack of full control by Amsterdam and Dutch authorities," a ministry spokesperson stated, confirming approximately 30 arrests.
Following discussions with Ambassador Ephraim, Knesset member Almog Cohen reported that Amsterdam's mayor has authorized additional police deployments to affected areas. "I urge all Israeli fans to remain in secure locations and prioritize their safety," Cohen emphasized.
The latest assessment from Foreign Minister Saar's office confirmed ten injuries of yet-undetermined severity. Two individuals remain unaccounted for.
The Israeli consul has been dispatched to Amsterdam hospitals, while diplomatic presence is being reinforced with staff from neighboring countries. Israeli citizens in Amsterdam are instructed to remain in their hotels until further notice.
