Violence against Maccabi Tel Aviv fans in Amsterdam – Israel News

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Violent attacks against Maccabi Tel Aviv fans take place in Amsterdam after the soccer match that took place on Thursday night between Maccabi and Ajax.

On Monday, the Spanish newspaper AS reported that a pro-Palestinian group planned to protest outside the stadium, targeting the Israeli team and its fans, and on Tuesday it was reported that, in addition to Maccabi’s regular security, Mossad agents would join team to provide additional protection.

Earlier Thursday, the NL Times reported that several people had been arrested for rioting. However, Amsterdam police did not confirm whether they were fans of the football club or pro-Palestinian supporters.

In addition, local law enforcement provided protection to the hundreds of Maccabi supporters who showed up to watch the match.

Various reports in both Israel and Amsterdam have indicated that Israel’s embassy in the Netherlands has become involved and is helping to move the Israelis to a safe location.

Footage circulating on social media has shown fans being beaten, chased with knives and narrowly avoiding being hit by vehicles.

According to Maarivthere has been at least one attempt to kidnap an Israeli, and many have barricaded themselves in shops and buildings.

Several videos showed Israelis jumping into canals to avoid the protesters.

These attacks come just hours after the country celebrated the 86th anniversary of Kristallnacht.

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Naphtali Bennett

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett took to X/Twitter to warn people about the situation.

“At these moments, Arabs are rampaging around and brutally beating Israeli tourists in a way that seems life-threatening,” he wrote.

“I urge everyone who can to act in any way to save their lives. Wake up.”

Bennett made submissions in both Hebrew and English, urging the authorities to get involved.

“What I see appears to be life-threatening: innocent people being run over, beaten, driven into a river and more,” his post said in English.

“I call on the Dutch authorities to act immediately to prevent injuries and worse. Anyone who can act, please do so now.” he tagged Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, who has yet to address the situation.

Gideon Sa’ar

Newly appointed foreign minister Gideon Sa’ar confirmed on X that he is in contact with authorities in the Netherlands and launched a hotline for Israelis and Jews in danger.

The Israeli Embassy in the United States issued additional hotlines.

“(We) encourage Israelis who need help to call one of these numbers: +97225303155, +31634138229”

Eli Beer

“This is what happens when terrorists gain access to Europe,” wrote Eli Beer, president of United Hatzalah.

“Tonight, in central Amsterdam, young Jews were attacked by Palestinians, subjected to attempted lynchings. The police were absent or arrived late. This is happening in the heart of Europe, and this is only the beginning. In Israel, we confront this daily, but now it is spreading to Europe”

Raz Amir

Israeli fans indicated to journalist Raz Amir that they believe the attack was planned in advance.

According to Amir, the police left the Maccabi Tel Aviv fans alone and did not provide any escort from the time they boarded the trains and drove to the hotels.

“The Dutch police sold us so the Arabs would lynch us,” a fan told him after he escaped the attack and arrived at Amsterdam airport injured and bloodied.

Danny Danon

Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon spoke about the situation and called on the UN to condemn the pogrom.

“These are the true faces of the supporters of the radical terrorism we fight,” he wrote.

“The Western world must 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.”