"Shameful for Europe." What we know about the attack on Israeli fans in Amsterdam.

On the night of November 8, Israeli football fans were attacked in Amsterdam (Netherlands). Israel has reacted with outrage and even planned a rescue operation involving the military, while local authorities have promised to punish those responsible.

RBK-Ukraine has gathered all the information available about the incident.

Slogans, Attacks, and Beatings of Israelis: What Happened in Amsterdam

The attack occurred in several locations in Amsterdam after the local team "Ajax" faced "Maccabi" from Tel Aviv in the fourth round of the Europa League. The match ended with a score of 5:0 in favor of the Amsterdam team. However, what happened afterward resembled something other than a clash involving regular football fans.

According to Mayor Femke Halsema, fans were attacked in multiple neighborhoods, insulted, and pelted with fireworks. Additionally, the assailants specifically targeted Israeli supporters. As a result, several individuals were injured, despite a significant police presence in the city.

A joint statement from the mayor, police, and the Amsterdam chief prosecutor indicated that the violence exceeded all conceivable limits. Law enforcement was literally escorting Israeli fans to their hotels.

"There is no justification for the anti-Semitic behavior exhibited last night," the statement reads.

Some horrifying "just anti-Zionism" in Amsterdam tonight as Israeli soccer fans are lynched by huge pro-Palestine mobs. Where are the police?! pic.twitter.com/HMwQgCwJMi

— Eitan Fischberger (@EFischberger) November 8, 2024

Reports on the number of injured vary from a hundred to 10-12. Local hospitals confirmed the admission of seven patients, all of whom were released after receiving first aid. Several individuals were attacked in one of the hotels.

Videos of the attacks are circulating widely on social media. The Israeli embassy in the U.S. released footage of a man lying on the ground being kicked. In another, a group of unknown individuals rushes out of a van, chases down a victim, and forces him to shout "Freedom for Palestine." The man offers money and pleads to be left alone.

According to the embassy's report, hundreds of "Maccabi Tel Aviv" fans were ambushed while leaving the stadium. Other videos show Israelis being chased while being yelled at to shout "Freedom for Palestine."

The Times of Israel reports that Israeli fans allegedly provoked Arabs and Palestinians in Amsterdam. According to the publication, they shouted insults at Arabs and vandalized Palestinian flags.

There were disturbances even before the match. Several incidents were recorded on Wednesday, including the removal of a Palestinian flag from a building on Rokin Street, and a taxi driver was attacked. On Thursday afternoon, there were riots at Dam Square, where "Maccabi" fans gathered.

The police had to stop a column of pro-Palestinian demonstrators heading to the "Ajax" stadium, resulting in the arrest of over forty individuals.

Photo: Fan activities were held in Amsterdam before the nighttime incidents (Getty Images)

As of now, a total of 62 participants in the riots have been detained. The Israeli Foreign Ministry reports ten injured citizens in Amsterdam. Additionally, three people are considered missing and are being sought by Israeli consulate personnel.

Among the missing is 33-year-old Guy Avidor, who traveled to the match from London. There has been no contact with him so far. According to the newspaper "Maariv," there was at least one attempted kidnapping of an Israeli, and many sought refuge in stores and buildings.

One fan told NOS how he took the metro to the central station after the match. He mentioned that fans were easily identifiable since many wore scarves and "Maccabi" shirts.

"At the station, we were met by many Muslims who came after us and wanted to 'fight' us. They attacked us and shouted 'Freedom for Palestine.' The police were there and told us to quickly get to our hotel; we had to run," he noted.

Others complained that the police left fans to fend for themselves and provided no guidance after directing them to hotels.

Israel Outraged and Evacuating Its Citizens from Amsterdam

Israel has taken the situation seriously. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that he was informed of a very violent incident against Israeli citizens.

"The Prime Minister regularly receives updates; he has ordered the urgent dispatch of two rescue planes. The brutal footage of the attack on our citizens in Amsterdam will not go unnoticed. Netanyahu demands that the Dutch government and security forces take decisive action against the assailants," his office stated.

Defense Minister Israel Katz reached out to the Dutch side for assistance in relocating Israelis to safer areas.

Initially, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) were to be involved in the rescue operation in collaboration with Dutch authorities. Plans were reported to deploy evacuation flights with medical and rescue teams on board. Later, this decision was rescinded. "It was decided that there is no need to send a professional rescue mission," noted Netanyahu's representative.

Instead, efforts are focused on regular flights from Amsterdam. In particular, passengers with return tickets will be able to use "El Al" flights free of charge, regardless of which airline they purchased their tickets from.

Photo: A significant portion of Amsterdam's population has Arab origins; in the photo, a man of Moroccan descent is seen in the crowd of "Maccabi" fans (x.com/leylahamed)

According to Interior Minister Moshe Arbel, those who lost their documents will be allowed to board planes without any issues.

Furthermore, another flight from Israel will depart for citizens in the evening. Typically, "El Al" does not operate flights on Saturdays, but additional flights are scheduled for tomorrow.

In Israel, there is horror in reaction to the incidents. "It resembles a planned and organized pogrom," former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett stated.

President Isaac Herzog speaks of an anti-Semitic pogrom. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir stated that fans were attacked "because of their Jewishness and because they are Israelis."

His ministry urges citizens to return home as soon as possible or to temporarily stay in hotel rooms. They are advised to avoid openly displaying Israeli or Jewish symbols. The "Maccabi Tel Aviv" football club issued a similar call.

Meanwhile, football fans are gradually arriving at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport. There is a heavy police and military presence on-site.

A recent message from the Prime Minister's office states that Netanyahu had a conversation with his Dutch counterpart, Dick Schoof.

"Netanyahu stated that he takes the anti-Semitic attack on Israeli citizens very seriously and demanded increased security measures for the Dutch Jewish community," the office emphasized.

Shock and Shame: How the Netherlands and Europe React to the Attacks

Leader of the right-wing populist "Freedom Party," Geert Wilders, stated that the incident resembled a "hunt for Jews on the streets of Amsterdam."

"It's a pity that such a thing can happen in the Netherlands. It's completely unacceptable. Condemning the hunt for Jews in Amsterdam is not enough. The criminals must leave the country," he wrote on social media X.

He noted that he has been speaking for over 20 years about rising anti-Semitic sentiments due to mass immigration and the Islamization of the Netherlands. He also demanded urgent debates with Prime Minister Dick Schoof.

The head of government called the riots unacceptable.

"Anti-Semitic violence that can occur in 2024 is shocking and demands condemnation. People must feel safe. The fact that this happened in the Netherlands is a disgrace. Everyone in the Netherlands should be ashamed of this. I am ashamed of this," he stated.

As the Prime Minister noted, those responsible will be found and held accountable. According to him, Netanyahu is not angry but very concerned.

Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema