The Lawfare Project has taken up the fight for justice on behalf of 47 Maccabi Tel Aviv fans who fell victim to antisemitic violence in Amsterdam earlier this November. These incidents unfolded after a Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv, where Israeli supporters were ambushed by large groups of pro-Palestinian attackers. The assaults left five people hospitalized, at least 20 others injured, and led to the arrests of over 60 people.
Horrific violence against Israelis in Amsterdam
According to witnesses, the attackers deliberately targeted people they identified—or perceived—as Jewish or Israeli, demanding they identify themselves and, in many cases, physically assaulting them, causing significant harm. Amsterdam's mayor, Femke Halsema, described the events as a "toxic mix" of antisemitism and hooligan violence.
Of the 47 affected fans, all of whom suffered either physical injuries or emotional trauma, many have already joined the lawsuit spearheaded by The Lawfare Project. The organization is calling on additional victims to come forward. Legal proceedings will be filed in Amsterdam and led by Dutch lawyer Peter Plasman, a partner at the law firm Koster, Lehouck, Plasman & Partners. The initiative is backed by The Lawfare Project, a U.S.-based organization led by attorney Brooke Goldstein, dedicated to defending the civil and human rights of Jewish and pro-Israel communities worldwide.
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Dutch police arresting protesters 3 days after match with Maccabi Tel Aviv
(Photo: Robin van Lonkhuijsen / ANP / AFP)
“The brutal attack on Jews in Amsterdam last month is just the latest example of the troubling rise in antisemitism across Europe,” said Goldstein. “Since the horrific events of October 7, 2023, Jews around the world have faced increasing violence, harassment, and discrimination. We call on governments across Europe to take immediate action to protect their Jewish communities and to hold the perpetrators of these attacks accountable.”
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Ziporah Reich, Director of Litigation for The Lawfare Project, added: “We are committed to ensuring that those who carried out or supported these heinous crimes are held accountable and that justice is served for the victims. Through legal action, we aim to send a clear and powerful message: violence against Jews will not be tolerated, and the perpetrators will face the full weight of the law. These attacks are not isolated incidents but part of a growing wave of hatred that threatens the safety and dignity of Jewish communities worldwide. Holding the attackers accountable is not just about justice for these victims—it’s a declaration that antisemitism, in any form, has no place in a civilized society.”
Attorneys are urging additional Maccabi Tel Aviv fans who witnessed or experienced the attacks to join the lawsuit before it is officially filed. Those seeking to participate or obtain more information can contact the legal team at: [email protected].