Dutch PM condemns "anti-Semitic violence" against Israeli fans in Amsterdam

Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof has denounced the attacks against Israeli football fans in Amsterdam as "unadulterated anti-Semitic violence," calling for swift and decisive action against those responsible.

The attacks, which occurred after a football match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and the local Ajax team on November 7, left several Maccabi supporters hospitalized following assaults by groups of men on scooters in various parts of the city, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Schoof, speaking at a press conference, emphasized the severity of the incident, describing it as a shocking escalation of intolerance. "Four days after the attacks, the shock, shame, and anger remain. It was unadulterated anti-Semitic violence. We need hard action," he stated. The prime minister stressed that "intolerance cannot be met with tolerance" and called for the perpetrators to be swiftly apprehended and prosecuted.

The violence reportedly involved "hit-and-run" assaults on Maccabi fans by men described by Schoof as having a "migration background." According to police reports, the assailants were allegedly mobilized by social media calls to target Jewish people. The attacks came against the backdrop of a global surge in anti-Semitic incidents linked to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza.

Amsterdam police chief Peter Holla confirmed that Maccabi fans were also involved in provocative actions before the clashes, including the burning of a Palestinian flag at the city's central Dam Square and the vandalism of a taxi. Unverified videos circulating on social media appeared to show Maccabi supporters chanting anti-Arab slogans. However, Schoof highlighted the distinction between these actions and the deliberate targeting of individuals based on their Jewish identity, stating, "There is nothing, absolutely nothing to serve as an excuse for the deliberate search and hunting down of Jews."

The Dutch police are currently analyzing CCTV footage and witness statements to identify the attackers, with only four individuals remaining in custody as of Monday. The low number of arrests drew criticism from newly appointed Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, who had urged the Dutch authorities to take firmer action.

In response to the violence, Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema announced an independent investigation and implemented emergency measures, including a temporary ban on demonstrations until Thursday. Schoof is also set to meet with members of the Jewish community on Tuesday to discuss additional measures to counter rising anti-Semitism.

Reflecting on the broader social implications, Schoof acknowledged the challenges facing Dutch society, particularly regarding the tensions surrounding the Gaza conflict. "There are many Dutch who have great difficulty with what's happening in Gaza, and there has to be space for that too," he said, while underscoring that violent actions "in no way fit into the open and tolerant society that is the Netherlands."

The investigation continues as authorities work to address the growing concerns over hate crimes and community safety in the wake of the attacks.

By Khagan Isayev