Violent attacks against Maccabi Tel Aviv fans are taking place in Amsterdam following the soccer match that took place Thursday evening between Maccabi and Ajax, according to Israeli media.
On Monday, Spain’s AS newspaper reported that a pro-Palestinian group was planning 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 the team to provide additional protection.
Earlier on Thursday, the NL Times reported that several individuals had been arrested for riots. However, Amsterdam police did not confirm whether they were fans of the football club or pro-Palestinian supporters.
Additionally, 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 gotten involved and is assisting with relocating the Israelis to a safe location.
Jews are openly being beaten in Amsterdam tonight pic.twitter.com/O8mqzX5cF8
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) November 8, 2024
Footage circulating on social media has shown fans being beaten, chased with knives, and narrowly avoiding being hit by vehicles.
According to Maariv, there has been at least one attempt at kidnapping an Israeli, and many have barricaded themselves in stores and buildings.
Multiple videos showed Israelis jumping into canals to avoid the protesters.
These attacks come just hours after the country commemorated the 86th anniversary of Kristallnacht.
Naftali Bennett
Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett posted on X/Twitter to alert people to the situation.
“At these moments, Arabs are rampaging around and brutally beating Israeli tourists in a way that seems life-threatening,” he wrote.
“I am calling on everyone who can, to act by any means to save their lives. Wake up.”
Bennett made posts in both Hebrew and English, urging authorities to get involved.
“What I see seems to be life-threatening: innocent people being run-over, beaten, driven into a river and more,” his post in English said.
“I call on the Dutch authorities to act immediately to prevent injuries and worse. Anybody that can act, please do so now.” he tagged Minister-president of the Netherlands 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 posted a hotline for Israelis and Jews in danger.
אנו מטפלים מול הגורמים בהולנד בארועים החמורים שם. כל ישראלי או יהודי שנמצא כרגע במצוקה או יש לו מידע ומיקום על ארוע אלים שמתרחש כעת – אנא לפנות לחדר מצב:0097225303155
— Gideon Sa’ar | גדעון סער (@gidonsaar) November 8, 2024
