Jerusalem, Israel — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strongly condemned a series of antisemitic incidents, including a violent attack on Israeli citizens in Amsterdam, branding it the worst antisemitic violence against Jews in Europe this century. Speaking at a recent event, Netanyahu linked the street violence in Amsterdam to what he described as an “antisemitic legal assault” against Israel at the International Court in The Hague. He emphasized the danger of these incidents which he claimed were meant to undermine the state of Israel and the rights of its citizens.
Netanyahu’s remarks came on the heels of troubling events in Amsterdam, where antisemitic rioters targeted Jews, echoing the grim historical events of Kristallnacht. The Prime Minister highlighted the dire need to prevent the history of violence against Jews from repeating itself. He articulated a broader warning, suggesting that unchecked attacks on Jewish communities could eventually lead to broader societal harm.
The incident in question occurred in Amsterdam when violent clashes erupted following a soccer match involving Israeli team Maccabi Tel Aviv. Reports indicated that the confrontation was highly charged and that groups specifically targeted Israelis and those identified as Jews near Amsterdam Central Station.
In response to these events, Netanyahu called on global leaders to take decisive and clear action to combat antisemitism and ensure public safety. He stressed the historical patterns where violence against Jews often prefigures wider societal conflicts.
In the Netherlands, the response from local authorities and political figures has been fraught with tension. Geert Wilders, leader of the Dutch Party for Freedom, expressed outrage over the handling of the situation by Amsterdam’s police, criticizing them for their failure to make arrests during the incidents. He specifically pointed to Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema, suggesting she should resign for her management of the violence.
Mayor Halsema referred to the attacks as a lamentable eruption of antisemitism, a sentiment echoed by others in the community. The city, which historically lost a significant part of its Jewish population during the Holocaust, found itself revisiting a dark part of its past.
Further controversy arose following the attacks, with revelations from the Holland Casino in Amsterdam, where some Israeli victims sought refuge. It emerged that a security guard had attempted to direct rioters towards the Israelis inside, though the casino quickly moved to dismiss the individual and distance itself from the actions.
Community response was swift, with local Jewish organizations and volunteers, including individuals from the Chabad House in Amsterdam and an Israeli Druze man, stepping up to assist the affected Israelis to safety. Their efforts were crucial in mitigating further harm and highlighted the community’s resilience and quick response in crisis situations.
The violence in Amsterdam has stirred a significant discussion on the protection of Jewish communities in Europe and the response of law enforcement to hate-driven violence. Observers note a worrying trend of increasing antisemitic incidents across Europe, raising questions about the effectiveness of current strategies to combat such hatred and the urgent need for more robust protective measures for minority communities.
Netanyahu’s stark warning and the ensuing fallout from the Amsterdam attacks underscore an ongoing and urgent dialogue about antisemitism, terrorism, and community safety that transcends national boundaries, demanding a concerted international response.