Violence Against Israeli Football Fans in Amsterdam Raises Concerns Over Antisemitism

During a Europa League match in Amsterdam, several Israeli football fans were subjected to coordinated attacks by groups of youths, raising alarms about antisemitism. Eyewitness accounts highlight violent encounters, with local officials acknowledging the complexity of managing crowd safety amid heightened tensions.

In a disturbing series of events following a Europa League match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax, Israeli football fans encountered violent confrontations in Amsterdam. Adi Reuben, a 24-year-old Maccabi Tel Aviv supporter, recounted a harrowing attack where he was confronted and then kicked by a group of over ten men who shouted anti-Israeli slogans. "They shouted 'Jewish, Jewish, IDF, IDF’. They started to mess with me and I realised I had to run, but it was dark and I didn’t know where to go," Reuben noted, describing the brutal nature of the assault that left him with serious facial injuries.

Reports from other victims mirrored Reuben's experiences. Gal Binyanmin Tshuva, 29, reported being forced to show his passport before being attacked by a larger group, highlighting the targeted nature of these assaults. “I said I was from Greece. They said they didn’t believe me and then they beat me,” he stated, recounting waking up in an ambulance confused and injured. Similar sentiments were echoed by Pnina, another fan, who expressed concerns about the organization behind the attacks.

Esther Voet, a local editor and resident of Amsterdam, described offering refuge to frightened Israeli fans in her home, a gesture emblematic of community solidarity amid chaos. “I told them this is a Jewish home and you are safe here,” she recalled, underlining the emotional impact of the situation.

The Amsterdam police have been scrutinized for their response to these violent incidents, described as “hit-and-run” tactics by local youths on scooters. Police chief Peter Holla acknowledged the difficulty of preventing such attacks, despite a visible law enforcement presence in the area. “We are looking back on 36 hours that really shocked me,” he admitted, highlighting the fact that many assaults occurred despite strategic police efforts to keep rival groups apart.

Tensions between Maccabi Tel Aviv fans and some local residents had been escalating in the days leading up to the violence. Mayor Femke Halsema remarked on the gravity of the situation, citing a “terrible outburst of antisemitism” and recognizing the historical significance of ensuring safety for Jewish culture in Amsterdam. “This happened in Amsterdam is reprehensible,” she added, denoting the emotional weight of the events on the city’s Jewish community.

While Israeli football fans have faced scrutiny in the past for their behavior, including incidents of racism and violence, the nature of these recent attacks has raised questions about broader societal attitudes. Halsema firmly stated, “What happened last night has nothing to do with protest. There is no excuse for what happened."

As the investigation into these violent incidents continues, the community's response shines a light on the urgent need for dialogue concerning the complexities of identity, safety, and tolerance in multicultural urban environments.