Dutch King Urges Vigilance Against Antisemitism Amid Attacks on Israeli Fans in Amsterdam

In response to violent confrontations targeting Israeli football fans in Amsterdam, Dutch King Willem-Alexander made an emphatic appeal, stating that antisemitic actions must not be overlooked. The incidents took place as Maccabi Tel Aviv fans were assailed by groups maneuvering through the city, with "hit-and-run" tactics targeting those visibly connected to the visiting team. Scores of individuals sustained injuries, prompting law enforcement to detain over sixty suspects linked to the attacks.

The king reflected on historical lessons, underscoring that overlooking acts of intimidation can lead to devastating consequences. His remarks were echoed by Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema, who expressed profound regret over the incidents, describing the violence as criminal rather than protest-driven. Meanwhile, Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, who returned from an EU summit, pledged swift legal action to ensure justice for the victims and deterrence of future incidents.

The attacks, coinciding with the commemoration of Nazi pogroms, have elicited international concern, with leaders in Israel, Germany, and France condemning the events. The unrest, amplified by footage on social media, has reignited discourse on safety and the imperative to address rising antisemitism in Europe.