Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof condemned the violence against Israeli soccer fans in Amsterdam as “unacceptable” in a statement following overnight attacks on Friday.
"I followed the news from Amsterdam with disgust," Schoof posted on X, adding that he had spoken with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to assure him that those responsible would face prosecution.
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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof
(Photo: Janos Kummer/Getty Images צילום: REUTERS Ronen Zvulun File Photo)
Netanyahu emphasized to Schoof the critical importance of ensuring the safety of all Israelis currently in the Netherlands, particularly those injured in the attacks. In a statement, Netanyahu’s office described the incident as an “antisemitic assault” and requested heightened security for the Jewish community in the Netherlands. Netanyahu thanked Schoof for his prompt response to what he called “shocking antisemitic events.”
The National Security Council advised Israelis in the Netherlands to remain in their hotels and avoid wearing any markings that could identify them as Jewish or Israeli if they venture outside.
Dutch far-right leader Geert Wilders also reacted to the incident on X, calling the attacks “a Jew hunt in the streets of Amsterdam” and demanding authorities to "Arrest and deport the multicultural scum that attacked Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters in our streets, adding that he was "Ashamed that this can happen in The Netherlands. Totally unacceptable."
President Isaac Herzog condemned the violence, comparing the scenes in Amsterdam to antisemitic pogroms. “This serious incident is a warning sign to any country that wants to preserve its values,” Herzog posted. “The authorities in the Netherlands must act immediately and take all the necessary steps to protect, locate, and rescue all the Israelis and Jews under attack and eradicate the violence towards Jewish and Israeli citizens by all necessary means."
Isarelis attacked on the streets of Amsterdam
Victims of the violence reported that Dutch police were slow to respond to what they described as coordinated attacks. One Israeli, identified as Dan, said that as Israeli fans walked from Amsterdam’s central train station to Dam Square, they were ambushed by groups of 10 to 15 men armed with batons, who attacked them block by block for over an hour before police intervened.
“They were waiting on every street corner, some on motorbikes, asking where we were from before trying to block or run us over,” another Israeli man said. “If you didn’t answer, they’d start beating you. My friend and I were attacked multiple times, and I can barely walk,” he added.
The man expressed distrust toward local authorities, stating, “No one helped us, and we refuse to go to the hospital. I don’t trust anyone here.” He also reported that groups on motorbikes continued to circle the hotel, taking photos of the Israeli guests inside.
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