Dozens of individuals were detained in Amsterdam on Thursday following violent clashes tied to a high-profile soccer match between a Dutch and an Israeli team, which Israeli officials are attributing to antisemitic sentiments.
The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to dispatch two planes to aid Israeli citizens in the Netherlands in the aftermath of the violence, which saw at least 10 Israelis injured and reports of two individuals still unaccounted for. Prime Minister Netanyahu's government emphasized concerns surrounding antisemitism as the catalyst for the events that transpired.
Local Dutch authorities reported that a total of 57 arrests were made, primarily centered around the Johan Cruyff Arena, where Ajax Amsterdam faced off against Maccabi Tel Aviv. However, the police did not explicitly connect the violence to antisemitism in their statements. The altercations began with hundreds of Maccabi supporters converging in Amsterdam's city center, where the atmosphere shifted from tense to more subdued. Before the game, several individuals were arrested due to disruptions of public order.
At another location, Anton de Komplein, clashes erupted between military police and anti-Maccabi demonstrators who attempted to march towards the stadium, resulting in about 30 arrests related to public disorder and offensive behavior towards law enforcement.
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir stated alongside other government officials, including the foreign and defense ministers, that they were collaborating with Dutch law enforcement to assist those affected by the violence. He asserted that fans attending the game were victims of violent antisemitic assaults purely based on their Jewish identity.
Israel's new Foreign Minister Gideon Saar remarked that his ministry is in discussions with Dutch authorities to address the ongoing situation, encouraging citizens in need of assistance to reach out to local officials.
This incident marks a troubling escalation of tensions at international sporting events and is emblematic of broader concerns regarding antisemitism in various contexts. As the situation continues to develop, authorities are focusing on restoring order and addressing safety for all attendees.
