Violence in Amsterdam: Israeli President Likens Europa League Clashes to Hamas Attack.
The Europa League football match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax Amsterdam on Friday has sparked outrage and condemnation, with Israeli President Isaac Herzog drawing parallels between the “violent images” witnessed in the Dutch capital and a previous Hamas attack.
According to reports, Israeli football enthusiasts clashed with apparent pro-Palestinian supporters both before and during the match at the John Cruyff Arena, the home stadium of Ajax Amsterdam. The confrontations resulted in 10 Israelis being injured, while two were reported missing.
In a strongly worded statement, President Herzog condemned the incidents, stating that the “shocking images” were reminiscent of the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack. “This morning, we are horrified by the startling pictures and videos that we had hoped would never be seen again since October 7th.
The violence in Amsterdam prompted a massive security response, with a “large number” of mobile units and reinforcements deployed to the city center due to the numerous conflicts and acts of vandalism that reportedly took place. Ultimately, 57 people were taken into custody as pro-Palestine protesters attempted to enter the stadium despite the city’s bans on demonstrations.
The fallout from the incident has extended beyond the Netherlands, with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock expressing her shock and disgust at the scenes.
“The images out of Amsterdam are awful and deeply shameful for us in Europe,” she wrote on social media. “The outbreak of such violence against Jews breaks all boundaries. There is no justification for this.”
Baerbock’s statement underscored the critical need for Jews to feel safe and secure across Europe, a sentiment echoed by many in the wake of the Amsterdam clashes.
As the football community grapples with the aftermath of the violence in Amsterdam, the calls for peace, tolerance, and the protection of all citizens, regardless of their background, have grown increasingly urgent.
