The recent hit-and-run attacks on Israeli football fans in Amsterdam have raised significant concerns regarding the safety of Israeli sports teams and their supporters travelling abroad. These violent incidents occurred after the Europa League match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax Amsterdam, and were deemed antisemitic by authorities.
Israeli officials have reacted swiftly, sending commercial planes to bring the affected fans back home. The incident has brought international attention to the increasing wave of violence against Israelis, which has been tied to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
On Thursday night, several Israeli fans were attacked by a group of individuals, reportedly on scooters, as they made their way back after the match. According to reports, these attackers targeted Maccabi supporters with fireworks, and some were even shouted at with anti-Israel slurs.
The violence, which included the use of hit-and-run tactics, left five individuals injured, with most being treated at local hospitals. Over 60 people were arrested for their involvement in the attacks, while authorities and social media footage also highlighted clashes between Israeli and pro-Palestinian supporters before the match.
Amsterdam's Mayor, Femke Halsema, condemned the actions as antisemitic and said that riot police were deployed to ensure the safety of the Israeli fans, escorting them to their hotels after the attacks.
The incident has been tied to broader tensions fueled by the ongoing conflict in Gaza, with reports of provocative chanting from both Israeli and Arab supporters prior to the match. Security was subsequently tightened across the city, especially as hundreds gathered to remember Kristallnacht, the Nazi-era pogrom against Jews.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed outrage over the attacks, describing the incident as a violent act targeting his citizens. In response, he ordered planes to evacuate the affected fans. Dutch authorities, including Prime Minister Dick Schoof, condemned the attacks and vowed to prosecute the perpetrators, calling the events "completely unacceptable."
This violent episode is not an isolated incident, as antisemitic incidents in the Netherlands have escalated since the onset of the Israel-Hamas war in October 2023.
Jewish organisations and schools in the country have reported threats and harassment in the wake of the conflict. Despite this, Israel has continued to advocate for its athletes' participation in international sports competitions.
Israeli football teams, including Maccabi Tel Aviv, have been playing their home games in countries such as Hungary and Serbia due to security concerns. UEFA, the governing body of European football, has ruled that Israel cannot host international games amid the ongoing violence. The decision has prompted backlash from pro-Palestinian groups, who have pushed for further isolation of Israel in international competitions.
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