Israeli soccer fans were ambushed and viciously assaulted by anti-Israel assailants in Amsterdam late Thursday night, prompting the Israeli government to send planes to evacuate its citizens, officials confirmed.
The attacks targeted hundreds of Maccabi Tel Aviv soccer club supporters after a Europa League match against AFC Ajax.
The Israeli Embassy in the U.S. reported that the violent mob, which shouted “Free Palestine” during the assault, posted videos of the brutal attacks on social media.
9Israeli soccer fans were ambushed and brutally assaulted in Amsterdam overnight Thursday by a mob shouting “Free Palestine.”@SamvanRooy1/X
One video shows an attacker yelling “Free Palestine” as a victim cowers in fear. Another harrowing clip shows a victim surrounded by several attackers, including one holding a Palestinian flag, before being kicked to the ground. Other footage depicts a victim being repeatedly kicked while lying on the street, and one man was struck by a car, flipping over the vehicle’s hood.
The embassy condemned the attacks, emphasizing that Israeli soccer fans should be able to support their team without fear of violence. “The days of chasing Jews down European city streets should remain in the dark annals of history,” the statement read.
In response to the escalating violence, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directed two rescue planes to be sent to Amsterdam to assist in evacuating Israeli citizens.
He also urged the Dutch government to take immediate action against the rioters and ensure the safety of Israeli nationals. “The harsh pictures of the assault on our citizens in Amsterdam will not be overlooked,” Netanyahu’s office tweeted.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar contacted his Dutch counterpart, Caspar Veldkamp, to request assistance for Israelis in reaching the airport safely. According to reports, at least 10 people were injured in the attacks.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) expressed its concern, with spokesperson Nadav Shoshani describing the attacks as “horrific and barbaric.” Shoshani confirmed that the IDF was preparing to deploy a mission to rescue Israelis from Amsterdam.
The violence in Amsterdam comes amid a sharp rise in antisemitic incidents following Hamas’ deadly October 7 attack on Israel.
Israel’s Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism, Ambassador Deborah Lipstadt, condemned the attacks as reminiscent of the Nazi pogroms against Jews in 1938, known as Reichspogromnacht, which occurred just days before the 85th anniversary of that tragic event.
