Israel urges fellow citizens not to attend Maccabi match in Italy

The National Security Council (NSC) of the Jewish state recommended Israelis to refrain from attending the match of Maccabi football club from Tel Aviv in Bologna, Italy after the attack on Israeli fans in Amsterdam.

Israel’s National Security Council issued a stark warning to Israelis and Jews in Amsterdam, calling on those who are out in public not to display any Israeli or Jewish symbols, Caliber.Az reports per Israeli media.

The NSC also called on Israelis to avoid attending Maccabi Tel Aviv’s basketball game in Bologna, Italy on in the wake of the attacks on fans in Amsterdam.

The security body said online calls to harm Israelis and Jews were ongoing, sparking fear of copycat attacks at the match in Bologna, adding that Israelis should avoid wearing identifying Jewish symbols as much as possible.

Israelis abroad were also encouraged to download the IDF’s Home Front Command app that provides updates as needed.

Earlier, Israeli media reported that at least 10 Israelis were injured in an attack in Amsterdam following a Europa League soccer match between local club Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv. Israel's permanent representative to the UN, Danny Danon, posted a video of the attack on X . It shows the attackers with Palestinian symbols prominently displayed on their clothing.

The Jewish state's Foreign Ministry advised Israeli citizens in Amsterdam not to leave their hotels. The NSC, on the other hand, said that Israelis who have the opportunity should immediately return home from the Netherlands.

By Vafa Guliyeva