Amsterdam: Tensions escalated in Amsterdam as violence broke out following a Europa League match between Ajax and Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv. Clashes left five people injured, and police arrested 62 individuals after a series of attacks targeting Israeli supporters. In response to the unrest, Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, announced an urgent diplomatic visit to the Netherlands, underscoring the seriousness of the incident.
The Amsterdam police reported that anti-Semitic rioters targeted Maccabi Tel Aviv fans during and after the match on Thursday night. Authorities stated that investigations are underway to assess the scale and specifics of the violence. While details on the identities of the injured and arrested are still limited, police confirmed that the series of incidents had prompted a heightened security response.
A Night of Chaos: Europa League Match Turns Violent
The Europa League match, hosted in Amsterdam between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv, was marked by multiple violent incidents aimed at Israeli fans. The Amsterdam Municipality, along with the city’s Police and Prosecution Office, condemned the violence, describing the scene as “disruptive” and expressing concern over the anti-Semitic undertones. Witnesses reported that law enforcement had to step in to control the unrest as violence broke out, leaving some fans hospitalized.
Israel’s Diplomatic Response: Minister Saar’s Statement and Call to Action
Gideon Saar, Israel’s Foreign Minister, expressed alarm over the situation, calling it a “wake-up call” for Europe and beyond. In a public statement, Saar urged democratic nations to take a firm stance against rising anti-Semitism. “Freedom-loving and democratic countries cannot allow hatred to roam openly on the streets,” Saar stated, adding that violence targeting Jewish communities often extends to broader societal implications, as history has shown.
Amsterdam Authorities and the Broader Context
The incident has sparked broader discussions about fan violence and anti-Semitism in European sports. Amsterdam’s local authorities acknowledged the challenges of ensuring fan safety in high-profile matches and have vowed to reassess security measures for future events. Saar’s diplomatic visit aims to underscore Israel’s concerns and seek assurances from Dutch officials on protecting Israeli visitors and fans amid the rise of anti-Semitic incidents in Europe.
This violent episode marks a concerning trend of targeted aggression at public events and has intensified calls for international cooperation to address hate-driven incidents in sports and beyond.
