Accusations Against Israeli Soccer Fans

In a shocking turn of events, the Amsterdam municipality's latest report has accused Israeli soccer fans of chanting "hateful and racist songs against Arabs" during their recent game against the local Ajax team. This report follows a mass assault on Israeli supporters, a grim episode that has drawn comparisons to the most severe antisemitic incidents in Europe since the Holocaust.

Violence and Its Background

The release of this report on Nov. 11, 2024, is particularly critical as it comes ahead of a city council debate addressing the violence that erupted on Nov. 7. Reports indicate that approximately 100 Arab individuals orchestrated a violent attack against Maccabi Tel Aviv fans, marking an alarming spike in antisemitism in the Netherlands.

Official Responses and Condemnation

Amid the rising unrest, which included the arson of a tram accompanied by alarming chants such as “cancer Jews,” Israeli President Isaac Herzog condemned the attacks, referring to them as a "pogrom." Dutch political figures, including Geert Wilders, leader of the country’s largest political party, echoed this sentiment, asserting that the perpetrators of the assaults must face severe consequences, including calls for deportation.

Critique of the Municipality's Report

The municipality's report, titled “Violence in Amsterdam Around the Ajax-Maccabi Match,” has been criticized by some, including Herman Loonstein, a prominent Dutch-Jewish lawyer. He accused city officials of victim-blaming, stating that the report indirectly suggests that the violence was warranted. Rabbi Meir Villegas Henriquez lambasted the report as a "hopelessly naive" attempt to deflect responsibility from city officials.

Emerging Evidence and Arrests

As tensions simmer, video footage has emerged depicting aggressive behavior from both sides. Some footage shows Maccabi fans in a heated atmosphere, while other recordings highlight how Arab groups appeared to be targeting Israelis systematically, raising critical questions about who instigated the violence in the first place. Eyewitness accounts have supported the claim that Maccabi fans were not seeking confrontation, contradicting suggestions that they were the aggressors.

Law Enforcement Response

Dutch police, who were already monitoring the situation, reported 62 arrests linked to the assaults, including 10 Israeli residents. However, the response from law enforcement has been scrutinized, with claims that the city failed to adequately guarantee the safety of the fans.

Rising Antisemitism in Europe

The context of these events cannot be overlooked, as they are unfolding against the backdrop of heightened antisemitic sentiment across Europe, following the conflict between Israel and Hamas that escalated in October 2023. In the Netherlands alone, antisemitic incidents surged 245% this year compared to the previous year, prompting fears that such violence could become a pattern rather than an isolated incident.

Community Reactions

As the aftermath of the assault continues to impact the community, many are expressing deep concerns about the broader implications for Jewish safety and community relations in the Netherlands. Recent events have amplified calls for a comprehensive review of public safety measures and community relations, as the nation grapples with rising tensions among various ethnic and religious groups.