Two days before the anniversary of Kristallnacht, which occurred in Nazi Germany 86 years ago, Europe witnessed another wave of violent anti-Jewish attacks — this time, in Amsterdam, of all places. The events unfolded after a soccer match between Maccabi Tel Aviv, which lost to Ajax 5:0. As hundreds of Israeli fans left the stadium to return to their hotels and the airport, they were ambushed and attacked violently in what appeared to be a premeditated assault.
The attacks included beatings, stabbings, trampling, throwing victims into water canals, and various other forms of violence. Initial reports suggest that most attackers were immigrants to the Netherlands, members of the Muslim community originally from Turkey and Morocco. It took the local police several hours to quell the violence and restore order to the streets. Currently, dozens are reported injured, and three individuals remain unaccounted for, with search efforts ongoing.
However, unlike the days of Kristallnacht, there is now a strong Jewish State in the world, which views providing assistance to Jews and Israelis in distress worldwide as a top priority. Just yesterday, Israeli intelligence warned the Dutch government of potential targeted attacks on Israelis visiting the country. As the events began, Prime Minister Netanyahu and newly appointed Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar maintained close contact with their Dutch counterparts to offer assistance to Israelis on the ground. The IDF announced it is “immediately preparing to dispatch a rescue delegation in coordination with the Dutch government, under the directive of the political leadership and following the situation assessment… The delegation will depart on transport aircraft and will include medical and rescue teams. The Home Front Command is leading the rescue operation in coordination with various IDF branches and security agencies.”
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schouffe stated, “I have followed these reports with horror. These are completely unacceptable anti-Semitic attacks against Israelis. I emphasized in my conversation with Netanyahu that the perpetrators will be brought to justice. The capital is now calm.” Geert Wilders, a prominent member of the Dutch coalition and a known friend of Israel, also spoke about the incidents: “A pogrom on the streets of Amsterdam; we have become the Gaza of Europe. Muslims with Palestinian flags hunted Jews; I will not accept this. Never. Authorities will be held accountable for their failure to protect Israeli citizens. Never again.”
