At least 10 Israelis were injured, two remain out of contact after Maccabi Tel Aviv soccer fans were violently chased and attacked after attending the match in Amsterdam Thursday night against Ajax. In videos on social networks, Maccabi Tel Aviv fans are seen being attacked in several locations in the city. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered planes sent to evacuate Israelis in the Netherlands
"They attacked fans, it looked like it was planned," said one of the fans. Ajax won the match 5-0.
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Maccabi Tel Aviv fans in the stands at the match prior to the violence
(Photo: Robin van Lonkhuijsen / ANP / AFP)
In several videos posted on social media, masked were seen trying to break into hotels where Israelis were staying. Dutch media reported clashes in several locations throughout the city, and the police were trying to control the violence.
Police reportedly helped escort dozens of Maccabi Tel Aviv fans who were attacked. "Several dozen people dressed in black attacked Maccabi Tel Aviv fans, and several people were arrested," according to local police.
About 30 attackers have been arrested so far, according to the foreign ministry, citing information provided by local police.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was briefed of the details of the serious incident of violence in Amsterdam against Israeli citizens, conducted a situation assessment with the Foreign Minister and his military secretary, and receives regular updates all the time, according to a statement early Friday morning from the Prime Minister's Office.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was briefed of the details of the serious incident of violence in Amsterdam against Israeli citizens, conducted a situation assessment with the Foreign Minister and his military secretary, and receives regular updates all the time,according to a statement early Friday morning from the Prime Minister's Office.
A 30-year-old Maccabi Tel Aviv fan describes the moments of horror: "I finished a four-month reserve in Gaza, and what I experienced here is no less scary. There is a war out here. They ran over me and pulled a knife on me. I am slightly injured, but I am not ready to receive treatment here, only in Israel. We were ambushed. I'm in the market. I saw with my own eyes children who were caught in explosions. They are everywhere. No police, complete chaos. Everything was pre-planned. The police here abandoned us. Every fourth person walking the street is a Muslim who has come to attack Jews. Me and several hundred other fans are surrounded in the hotel, the police don't allow us to leave. They just want to fly home."
I finished a four-month reserve in Gaza, and what I experienced here is no less scary. There is a war out here.
Another fan, Yarin Hay Itzhak, posted about his experiences on X.
"It's unbelievable that we had to run away from thousands of Muslims on the streets of Amsterdam and get some Israelis into KFC when the police are out there in small numbers and don't know how to handle the event. They didn't bring a doctor to everyone who was injured there because 'there is no way to help you.' The Muslims tried to run over, kidnap, beat and murder. Everyone who is there, catch a flight and return to Israel."
Kobi Itzhaki posted on X: "Running away to the hotel, bringing the wounded in with you, hearing about people who can't find them, hearing crazy explosions from all sides. Fuck football, just let everyone return safely from here."
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar said in a statement: "We are dealing with the authorities in the Netherlands over the serious incidents there. Any Israeli or Jew who is currently in distress or has information and about a violent event that is currently taking place, please contact the situation room:
0097225303155
Status Center: 02-530-3155
Netherlands Embassy emergency phone number: +31634138229
Knesset member Almog Cohen wrote on his X account: "I just spoke with the ambassador of Israel in the Netherlands, Modi Ephraim, and he informed me that he spoke with the mayor, who is sending many police forces to the conflict area. Regarding cases of violence and lynchings directed at Israeli fans, I call on the fans to stay in protected places and avoid risking their lives." He also posted the Israeli embassy's hotline in the Netherlands.
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Attackers chase down Maccabi Tel Aviv fans after a soccer match in Amsterdam
(Screenshot)
"A shocking pogrom is taking place at this moment in Amsterdam," Knesset member Boaz Bismuth said in a post. "I am receiving calls and messages from people who are in Amsterdam, who say that the Dutch authorities are not helping them at all and are not taking action to control the situation. Jews are forced to barricade themselves and hide while the violence continues to rage in the streets. This event is a reminder that hatred for Jews is alive and kicking in the heart of Europe. The Dutch authorities must act with zero tolerance and stop the rioters - now!"
Israel's Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon also called the attacks in Amsterdam a 'pogrom.'
"We are receiving very disturbing reports of extreme violence against Israelis and Jews on the streets of Holland," Danon posted on the X platform. "There is a pogrom currently taking place in Europe in 2024. These are the true faces of the supporters of the radical terrorism we are fighting. The western world needs to wake up now!! This is the time when the UN should immediately and clearly condemn the violence of the Palestinians and their supporters. The Dutch authorities must take decisive action against terrorism now."
Former prime minister Naftali Bennett posted several videos of the violence on the X platform.
"I am receiving videos and evidence of Israeli sports-tourists in Amsterdam being brutally attacked," Bennett posted. "What I see seems to be life-threatening: Innocent people being run-over, beaten, driven into a river and more. I call on the Dutch authorities to act immediately to prevent injuries and worse."
The attacks come a day after violence erupted in Amsterdam ahead of the match. In once incident Maccabi Tel Aviv fans were attacked in Amsterdam by group of Dutch citizens of Turkish and Moroccan descent who reportedly waited outside casino to target them. In another, Dutch nationals of Turkish descent reportedly chased a Maccabi fan after apparently stealing his passport and proceeded to push him into a river.
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