Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof has expressed deep shame over violent clashes in Amsterdam that targeted Israeli football fans, labeling the attack as a “terrible anti-Semitic attack.” The incident occurred on the night of November 8, 2024, and has sparked widespread condemnation from both Dutch officials and international leaders, who have vowed to take strong action against the perpetrators.
Speaking at an EU leaders’ summit in Budapest, Schoof condemned the violence, stating, “It’s a terrible anti-Semitic attack. We will not tolerate it. We will prosecute the perpetrators. And I’m deeply ashamed that this could happen in the Netherlands in 2024.” The attack occurred when a group of Israeli football fans were subjected to physical violence and verbal abuse by a mob, reportedly due to their nationality and perceived political affiliation related to the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The violence has left many shaken, highlighting the resurgence of anti-Semitic sentiments in parts of Europe, despite efforts to combat such hate crimes.
The violence broke out following a football match between an Israeli club and a Dutch team. The attackers, who were believed to be a mix of local extremists and foreign nationals, began to target individuals and groups that appeared to be of Israeli descent. Witnesses reported seeing anti-Semitic slurs shouted at the Israeli fans, while others described being physically assaulted in the streets.
In response to the attacks, Dutch authorities have promised to fully investigate the events, with law enforcement agencies vowing to bring those responsible to justice. Dutch police have arrested several individuals in connection with the violence, and Schoof stressed that the country would do everything in its power to ensure that such incidents would not go unpunished.
The Dutch prime minister’s statement resonated beyond the borders of the Netherlands. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who was hosting the EU summit, also condemned the violence. Orban called the incident “unacceptable” and expressed solidarity with the Jewish community. He noted that Hungary, which is home to Central Europe’s largest Jewish population of around 100,000 people, would not tolerate any form of anti-Semitism. “This is unacceptable for us Hungarians,” Orban declared, reinforcing the need for unity against hatred and violence.
The rise of anti-Semitic incidents across Europe has been a growing concern, with several high-profile attacks in recent years fueling fears within Jewish communities. These incidents often coincide with heightened political tensions, particularly surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and have led to increased calls for stronger measures to protect Jewish populations and prevent the spread of hate.
In the wake of the Amsterdam clashes, Jewish organizations have called for greater vigilance and stronger laws to combat anti-Semitism in Europe. The European Jewish Congress (EJC) expressed outrage over the attack, emphasizing that no one should fear for their safety based on their heritage or beliefs. The EJC also called on European leaders to take more decisive actions to curb the spread of such extremist ideologies.
While the incident in Amsterdam is deeply troubling, it has also sparked an outpouring of support from Dutch citizens and leaders alike. Many have expressed their solidarity with the Jewish community and condemned the actions of the attackers. Numerous rallies and events have been planned in the coming days to stand against anti-Semitism and show support for the victims of the violence.
As investigations into the attacks continue, the focus is now on ensuring that justice is served, and that the message is sent loud and clear that anti-Semitism has no place in modern Europe. Both the Netherlands and Hungary, alongside other EU members, are facing mounting pressure to act decisively against hate crimes and work towards a more inclusive and tolerant society.
