Hundreds of fans of the Maccabi Tel Aviv soccer team reported that they were attacked overnight Thursday by Arabs in Amsterdam, as they left the stadium following Maccabi’s game against AFC Ajax.
The fans testified that an ambush had been prepared for them in advance at various points outside the stadium.
Disturbing footage from the city, which was posted to social media, fans are seen being violently attacked, beaten and even run over. One of the fans was forced to say "Free Palestine" before he was let go. Some of the fans barricaded themselves in shops and other places in the city.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry said that ten fans were injured and that two people are unaccounted for, and efforts to get in touch with them are ongoing.
An Israeli who witnessed the goings on told Kan 11 News, "They waited in groups at every corner, and as soon as they recognized Jews - they started chasing them. Others waited near hotels and near the casino in larger groups, and there they also attacked fans. Then others drove by with cars and did not stop honking near hotels in which Israelis are staying."
"The police were not present at the conclusion of the games, and Muslims were waiting near train stations for Israeli fans and followed them," said another Israeli. "The police only started to intervene after about 45 minutes into the attacks, after the attackers threw firecrackers at people and into buildings."
A spokesperson for Amsterdam police said that 57 suspects have been arrested during the incidents, but could not confirm if those arrested are soccer fans. The reasons for the arrests, according to the police: Violation of public order and possession of fireworks.
The Prime Minister's Office stated that "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been informed of the details regarding the very violent incident against Israeli citizens in Amsterdam, held an assessment with his Military Secretary and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and is receiving regular updates.”
“The Prime Minister has directed that two rescue planes be sent immediately to assist our citizens. The harsh pictures of the assault on our citizens in Amsterdam will not be overlooked.
“Prime Minister Netanyahu views the horrifying incident with utmost gravity and demands that the Dutch government and security forces take vigorous and swift action against the rioters, and ensure the safety of our citizens."
The National Security Council told the Israeli public currently in Amsterdam to refrain from moving in the street and remain in their hotel rooms, avoid externalizing Israeli and Jewish symbols, and inform the local police immediately of any unusual incident.
The NSC recommends that those who can move up their flight back to Israel do so.
Incoming Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar commented on the situation and wrote on X, "We are in contact with the authorities in the Netherlands about the serious events there. Any Israeli or Jew who is currently in distress or has information and location about a violent event that is currently taking place - please contact the emergency hotline: 0097225303155."
The IDF Spokesperson’s Unit stated, “Following the severe and violent incidents against Israelis in Amsterdam, with the direction of the political echelon, and in accordance with a situational assessment, the IDF is preparing to immediately deploy a rescue mission with the coordination of the Dutch government.”
The mission will be deployed using cargo aircraft and include medical and rescue teams. The IDF Homefront Command will lead the rescue mission with the cooperation of various IDF directorates, branches, and Israeli security authorities.
MK Almog Cohen (Otzma Yehudit) said that he spoke with Israel's Ambassador to the Netherlands, Ephraim Modi, who informed him that many police forces had been sent to the scenes of the violence.
"I call on the fans to stay in safe places and avoid risking their lives," Cohen wrote.
Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett issued a call on authorities to act immediately to prevent the loss of lives.
