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Scores of Israelis Hunted Down, Brutally Assaulted in Antisemitic Attack in Amsterdam
New York, NY, November 8, 2024 ... ADL (the Anti-Defamation League) today expressed its deep horror and outrage at the violent, widespread, and apparently premeditated and coordinated antisemitic attack on Israeli soccer fans in Amsterdam, following a game between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax last night.
Scores of Israelis were hunted down, brutally assaulted and injured. The attackers’ own videos showed Israelis fearfully scrambling to find safety amidst the violent mob, including some who hid for hours, or reportedly jumped into canals to save themselves. Although this incident followed a soccer match in Europe, it could easily have occurred at any event or on any street worldwide, given the depth and urgency of the global tsunami of antisemitism targeting Jews, Israelis, and Zionists. This includes the support and celebration of terrorism by groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, which are justified and tolerated in various regions, including the U.S. and beyond.
ADL CEO and National Director, Jonathan Greenblatt, said:
“This is what ‘globalize the intifada’ looks like. It is particularly haunting that on the eve of Kristallnacht (the November 1938 pogrom in Germany), Jews on the streets of Amsterdam were hunted, chased, attacked and forced to hide from an antisemitic mob whose goal was to harm as many Jews as possible.”
We welcome the strong condemnations from Dutch leaders, including the poignant statement by King Willem-Alexander, who said “last night we failed the Jews again.” However, more must be done by authorities in Amsterdam, and indeed around the world to protect Jews from this violent hatred.
We call on authorities to take immediate action:
Dutch authorities must openly examine:
The preparation of law enforcement – before, during and after the match, how the mobilization of anti-Israel groups who conducted this assault was not disrupted, and account for how this attack persisted for hours, with Israelis running and hiding in fear for their lives, without adequate protection from police.
Given the extent of the rampage and violence, the number of detentions to date is alarming low. Authorities must take decisive and immediate action to identify and detain all those responsible, and to prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law, sending a clear message that hate and violence will not be tolerated and that perpetrators will be held fully accountable.
European authorities must conduct an intensive investigation into who organized this attack, through what social media and other channels and with what support, including the possibility of non-Dutch instigators.
Sports officials around the globe, in soccer and other sports, must respond to this horrifying assault by committing to proudly playing with Israeli teams – in Israel and around the world. The answer to this hate and violence cannot be the sidelining and canceling of Israeli teams and athletes which sadly has been already happening since October 7.
Sports federations, along with law enforcement agencies, must develop strong protocols for protections for fans inside and outside of stadiums and for responding to violence of any kind with a focus on antisemitism.
Governments and civil society must make clear that there is no justification, no tolerance, no excuse for antisemitism, period. Too many are looking the other way at clear-cut support for violence and hate, without concern of the real-life consequences.
Editor’s Note: There are conflicting reports from authorities in Amsterdam as to the exact number of Israelis who were chased. Law enforcement say the number may have been in the hundreds, and not thousands, as initially reported. This statement has been updated to “scores” to reflect the latest information available.
ADL is the leading anti-hate organization in the world. Founded in 1913, its timeless mission is “to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment to all.” Today, ADL continues to fight all forms of antisemitism and bias, using innovation and partnerships to drive impact. A global leader in combating antisemitism, countering extremism and battling bigotry wherever and whenever it happens, ADL works to protect democracy and ensure a just and inclusive society for all.