Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters were violently attacked in Amsterdam following the team’s football match against Ajax on Thursday night, leaving at least 10 people injured, according to media reports. The violent incident unfolded in the aftermath of tensions surrounding the match, which were exacerbated by a planned protest against the Israeli team by a pro-Palestinian group.
Muslim mobs in Amsterdam are hunting Jews tonight. I wish this was fiction. It's not. pic.twitter.com/mlSiwiSbAl
— 𝗡𝗶𝗼𝗵 𝗕𝗲𝗿𝗴 ♛ ✡︎ (@NiohBerg) November 8, 2024
Pre-Match Tensions And Security Measures
Ahead of the game, reports indicated that a pro-Palestinian group was planning to target Maccabi Tel Aviv and its supporters. In response to the increased security threats, the team was provided with additional protection from Mossad agents alongside their regular security personnel to ensure the safety of the players and fans.
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Violent Attacks And Police Response
Following the match, violent clashes broke out, and several Maccabi Tel Aviv fans were reportedly chased, some with knives. At least 10 people sustained injuries in the attacks. Disturbing footage shared on social media shows fans jumping into Amsterdam’s canals in an attempt to escape the violence, while others sought refuge in nearby shops. There were also reports of at least one attempted abduction.
Amsterdam police detained several individuals in connection with the riots. However, local officials have not confirmed whether the arrested individuals were football fans or protesters linked to the pro-Palestinian demonstrations. Authorities worked quickly to ensure the safety of the hundreds of Maccabi supporters who attended the match.
Israeli Leaders Respond To The Violence
The violent attack prompted strong condemnation from Israeli officials. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the incident “serious” and instructed the immediate deployment of two rescue planes to assist Israeli citizens in need of evacuation. Netanyahu also urged Dutch authorities to act “firmly and quickly” against the rioters and to ensure the safety of Israeli citizens in Amsterdam.
In addition, Israel’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that approximately 30 people had been arrested in connection with the unrest. However, the statement did not specify the timing of the arrests or the identities of those detained.
Social Media Footage And Calls For Action
Unverified videos circulating on social media depicted disturbing scenes of the violent attacks, showing Maccabi Tel Aviv fans being chased and attacked in the streets. The shocking footage, which also captured fans jumping into canals to escape attackers, sparked outrage online.
Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett called on Dutch authorities to intervene and take swift action against the perpetrators. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar confirmed that he was in direct contact with Dutch officials, and a hotline was set up for Israeli citizens needing assistance.
At this moment Jews are being attacked in multiple locations in Amsterdam.
— Naftali Bennett נפתלי בנט (@naftalibennett) November 8, 2024
I call upon the Dutch authorities to act NOW. pic.twitter.com/VZtLNw45KH
Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, condemned the violence, referring to it as a “pogrom.” He said, “These are the true faces of the supporters of radical terrorism we are fighting. The Western world needs to wake up now!!” in a post shared on X (formerly Twitter).
