Israeli football fans were targeted in a series of attacks in central Amsterdam, prompting several interventions from riot police to protect them, officials reported.
Prime Minister Dick Schoof condemned these “antisemitic attacks,” while Israel’s military referred to the incidents as “severe and violent actions against Israelis.”
Despite a strong police presence, Israeli fans, who had traveled for a Europa League match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax, were injured in various parts of the Dutch capital.
Amsterdam police have launched an investigation into the incidents, resulting in the arrest of 62 individuals.
Five people were hospitalized, and while authorities are aware of potential hostage situations and missing persons, these reports remain unconfirmed.
Mayor Femke Halsema of Amsterdam, along with other officials, has condemned the violence, as images circulated online showing assaults and even incidents of fans being run over.
The violence, which escalated after the match, included pro-Palestinian slogans, although the authenticity of some footage is still unclear.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog described the attacks as a “pogrom” against Maccabi fans and Israeli citizens, while Dutch politician Geert Wilders also condemned the failure to protect Israeli citizens during the unrest.
Israeli authorities have advised their citizens to stay in their hotels, while the country’s national airline El Al has arranged “rescue flights” to bring passengers back to Israel.
The violence has drawn widespread international condemnation, with the U.S. special envoy for antisemitism, Deborah Lipstadt, calling it “reminiscent of a classic pogrom,” highlighting the timing just days before the anniversary of the 1938 Nazi pogrom against Jews.
