Germany’s minister outraged by attack on Israelis in Netherlands

Germany’s Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs Annalena Baerbock has expressed outrage over the recent attack on Israelis in the Netherlands, emphasising that such actions are completely unjustifiable.  

"The photos from Amsterdam are horrifying and deeply shameful for us in Europe. The outbreak of such violence against Jews goes beyond all bounds. There is no excuse for this," she wrote on X, Caliber.Az reports.

Die Bilder aus #Amsterdam sind furchtbar & für uns in Europa zutiefst beschämend. Der Ausbruch solcher Gewalt gegenüber Juden überschreitet alle Grenzen. Dafür gibt es keine Rechtfertigung. Jüdinnen & Juden müssen in Europa sicher sein.

— Außenministerin Annalena Baerbock (@ABaerbock) November 8, 2024

Baerbock also emphasised that "Jews must be safe in Europe."

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