Israeli Supporters Attacked, Amsterdam Bans 3 Days Of Demonstration

UNSPLASH/Ben Koorengvel ILLUSTRATION

Amsterdam, Netherlands, has banned demonstrations for three days since Friday following attacks on Israeli football supporters. Israel sent a plane to fly Maccabi supporters Tel Aviv home after clashes.

The Mayor of Femke Halsema said Maccabi fans were attacked, tortured and thrown fireworks around the city. The riot police intervened to protect them and escort them to the hotel. It was reported that five people were hospitalized.

Videos on social media showed police antihuru-hara in action, with several attackers shouting anti-Israeli insults. Some footage also showed Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters shouting anti-Arab slogans before Thursday night's match.

"We saw a lot of demonstrations, a lot of people running around. It was really scary," said Joni Pogrebetsy, an Israeli football fan in Amsterdam to watch the match.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said Israel sent a plane to the Netherlands to take home fans.

Antisemitism incidents have increased in the Netherlands since Israel launched its attack on Gaza following an attack on Israel by the Palestinian Hamas group on October 7, 2023.

Many Jewish organizations and schools report threats and hate letters.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said orders to send planes were taken after a "very violent incident" targeting Israelis after a match between Maccabi and Ajax Amsterdam, traditionally identified as Jewish clubs.

Videos verified by Reuters showed a group of men running near Amsterdam's central station, chasing and attacking another man, as police sirens sounded.

However, another verified video shows Maccabi fans lighting flares and chanting "Ole, OLE, let the IDF win, we will beat Arabs", referring to the Israeli Defense Forces.