POGROMS IN AMSTERDAM AFTER ISRAELI TEAM SOCCER GAME

Antisemitic riots erupted in Amsterdam, as islamists targeted Israeli soccer fans.

Amsterdam witnessed shocking scenes of antisemitic violence on November 7, as islamist rioters specifically targeted Israeli fans of Maccabi Tel Aviv following their match against Ajax. Dutch authorities reported that 62 people were arrested after violence broke out across the city, with five individuals hospitalized. This escalation unfolded as pro-Palestine demonstrators attempted to approach the stadium, leading to intense clashes with police, who were forced to intervene repeatedly to protect Israeli fans. 

Social media footage captured the grim reality: Israeli fans were chased, beaten, and forced to display identification. These incidents eerily coincided with the anniversary of Kristallnacht, the «Night of Broken Glass» in 1938 when antisemitic attacks swept through Nazi Germany. Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof denounced the violence as “completely unacceptable,” echoing the sentiments of European leaders appalled by the outbursts.

Demonstrators running with Palestinian flags ahead of the UEFA Europa League match. Pic-Jeroen Jumelet/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock.

The hostility was not isolated; skirmishes began hours before the game, with organized groups arriving to intimidate and provoke Maccabi supporters. Following the game, Dutch authorities reported that many demonstrators, some with Palestinian flags, attempted to storm police barricades near the arena. Police described the evening as “very turbulent,” marked by fireworks and a hostile mob attempting to locate Israeli fans. Despite a substantial police presence, attacks on Maccabi supporters were scattered across Amsterdam, leading police to escort fans to hotels and public transport for safety.

Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters being escorted to the metro station by police. Pic AP Photo InterVision

Israeli leaders expressed horror and demanded accountability, calling the events a modern-day pogrom against Jewish citizens in the heart of Europe. President Isaac Herzog noted that images from the riots evoked memories of October 7, while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen declared, “Antisemitism has no place in Europe. We will fight all forms of hatred.”

Following an earlier suggestion by Israeli authorities to send rescue flights, Maccabi Tel Aviv fans are now being flown home on commercial planes with increased security. For many, the events served as a grim reminder of how deeply antisemitism continues to persist and how critical it is for Europe and the world to denounce hate-driven violence.

Main image: Islamists burn Israeli flags before the soccer game in Amsterdam. Photo by AP.