Amsterdam, Netherlands – Authorities in Amsterdam have detained five individuals in connection with an egregious antisemitic assault targeting Israeli soccer fans last week. The assailants allegedly attacked the fans amid heightened tensions after a match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv. Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof affirmed his commitment to apprehending all those responsible for the violence that echoed historical acts of antisemitism.
The suspects, all males aged between 18 and 37, were apprehended on charges of assault. This wave of arrests comes as officials face mounting criticism for their failure to manage the riot effectively and prevent the aftermath which resulted in severe injuries and public outrage.
Violence erupted last Thursday night in a disturbing scene reminiscent of the Kristallnacht pogroms of 1938. Enraged individuals targeted bystanders identified as supporters of the Israeli team. The conflict resulted in at least five people being hospitalized, while another 25 to 35 suffered various injuries. Amsterdam Police Chief Peter Holla later described the difficulties faced by around 800 officers in controlling the sudden and widespread outbreaks of violence throughout the city.
Of the 63 initially detained related to the match, only four remain in custody on suspicion of violence—two of whom are minors. The others were involved in lesser charges like vandalism, possession of illegal fireworks, resisting police, and other minor offenses, and were either fined or released.
Public response to the incident was swift and severe, with allegations of inadequate police action during crucial moments of the riot. Geert Wilders, leader of Amsterdam’s far-right Party for Freedom, expressed dismay at the police’s failure to make substantial arrests during the height of the violence.
Prime Minister Schoof emphasized his intent to address all forms of violence sternly. He specifically countered claims that the Maccabi supporters had instigated the violence by aggravating pro-Palestinian groups prior to the game. Schoof declared such allegations as irrelevant to the unconscionable acts of racist violence that occurred, stating clearly that nothing could justify the antisemitic attacks.
In response to the events, the police are increasing their investigative efforts and have called upon the public to submit any footage or images from the riot to assist in identifying other perpetrators. This appeal aims to facilitate a more comprehensive understanding of the events and ensure that all involved are held accountable.
The Dutch government and local law enforcement agencies are now under increased scrutiny regarding their capacity to manage and prevent such incidents. The ongoing investigation into Thursday’s violence serves as a critical point of review for Amsterdam’s strategies in maintaining public order and upholding the principles of safety and justice for all its residents.