Dutch king expresses shock over recent antisemitic attacks

After the recent riots in Amsterdam, Israeli President Isaac Herzog has held a conversation with King of the Netherlands Willem-Alexander.

The Dutch monarch expressed deep horror and shock at the events that transpired in his country, Caliber.Az reports via Israeli media.

"We let down the Jewish community of the Netherlands during World War II, and last night, we let down them again," King Willem-Alexander said.

The king promised to do everything in his power to ensure the safety of Israeli football fans and facilitate their safe return home. 

In response, Isaac Herzog urged Dutch authorities to take all necessary measures to protect the safety of Jews and Israelis within the country.

Israel dispatched two commercial planes to the Netherlands on November 8 to repatriate hundreds of Israeli soccer fans after the recent violent, antisemitic attacks in Amsterdam's streets. Officials confirmed that riot police were called to intervene during the clashes, which included attackers shouting anti-Israeli slurs. 

Amsterdam's Mayor Femke Halsema reported that Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters were "attacked, abused, and pelted with fireworks" and said riot police were required to protect the fans and escort them to safety. At least five individuals were treated in hospital following the assaults. 

Antisemitic incidents in the Netherlands have surged following Israel’s military response to Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023. Many Jewish organisations and schools have reported receiving threats and hate mail.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office issued a statement, calling the assaults a "very violent incident" against Israeli citizens. "This is a serious incident, a warning sign for any country that wishes to uphold the values of freedom," it stated. 

A verified video showed men chasing and assaulting other individuals near Amsterdam Central Station as police sirens blared. 

Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof condemned the attacks, calling them "completely unacceptable" and assuring Netanyahu by phone that those responsible would be identified and prosecuted. Geert Wilders, a prominent anti-Muslim politician and leader of the largest Dutch political party, expressed his shame, saying, "I am ashamed that this can happen in the Netherlands."

By Naila Huseynova