Israel Evacuates Citizens Following Violence in Amsterdam
Following a violent night in Amsterdam, the Israeli government dispatched two planes on Friday to evacuate citizens in response to escalating tensions. Reports from Israeli media, including The Jerusalem Post and The Times of Israel, indicate that three Israeli citizens are still missing, with Dutch authorities confirming injuries and arrests after the unrest.
Violence broke out following a football match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax Amsterdam at the Johan Cruyff Arena. Video footage shows a car driving into a crowd, reportedly targeting a group that included Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters. Israeli fans were confronted with physical assaults, and there are multiple reports of targeted attacks throughout the city.
Muslim mobs are beating Jewish Macabbi Tel Aviv Fans in the streets of Amsterdam tonight.
— Jordan Fried (@JordanFried) November 8, 2024
Please act now @MinPres pic.twitter.com/si1PyEGxl6
According to Dutch officials, 62 people were detained following clashes across Amsterdam, during which several Israeli citizens sustained injuries. Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof condemned the attacks, labeling them as “abhorrent” acts of anti-Semitism, and emphasized the need for safety measures to protect all citizens. Geert Wilders, a prominent Dutch politician, called for strict actions against those responsible.
Amid the ongoing investigation, police are examining reports of a possible hostage situation and continue to search for missing individuals. Amsterdam’s Mayor Femke Halsema described the violence as anti-Semitic, urging victims to report incidents to law enforcement. The Foreign Ministry of Israel advised citizens to avoid displaying Jewish or Israeli symbols in public, as local security forces increased patrols.
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof gives his first comments about the violence Israeli citizens were subjected to in Amsterdam yesterday.
— WORLD AT WAR (@World_At_War_6) November 8, 2024
”What happened is"scandalous" and "reprehensible" pic.twitter.com/5i1Kk8HsxJ
The Israeli airline El Al announced that a rescue flight was scheduled to depart from Amsterdam to Tel Aviv, with additional flights to assist hundreds of Israelis in returning home. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appealed to Dutch authorities to ensure security for Israeli nationals in the Netherlands. It was reported by Israeli outlets that Mossad traveled with the team.
The King of the Netherlands is shocked by the pogroms in Amsterdam.
— Mykhailo Rohoza (@MykhailoRohoza) November 8, 2024
After the night riots in Amsterdam, King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, in a conversation with President Yitzhak Herzog, expressed deep horror at what had happened.
"We let down the Dutch Jewish community… pic.twitter.com/wUqw2mcfga
Statements condemning the violence came from Israeli President Yitzhak Herzog, who described the events as a “pogrom,” and from Austrian leaders, including Chancellor Karl Nehammer and European Affairs Minister Karoline Edtstadler, who stressed the need for Europe to act against anti-Semitism. UEFA also condemned the violence and committed to assisting with investigations into the incidents.
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