Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof has canceled his trip to the COP29 climate summit in Azerbaijan to remain in the Netherlands, addressing the aftermath of antisemitic attacks targeting fans of the Israeli soccer team Maccabi Tel Aviv. These incidents occurred in Amsterdam, reportedly spurred by social media calls to harass Jewish individuals, with what the mayor described as “hit and run” assaults by groups of youths. As a result, five people required hospital treatment, and over 60 individuals were arrested. The violence, unfolding against a backdrop of heightened pro-Palestinian sentiment, has led authorities to launch a significant police investigation and an independent inquiry into the events.
Dutch officials, including Justice and Security Minister David van Weel, are also examining whether any warnings of possible violence from Israel were overlooked before the Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv. Meanwhile, Israeli police are assisting Dutch investigators, gathering testimonies and forensic evidence from dozens of Israeli fans who returned to Israel after the match. In a statement, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, who quickly traveled to the Netherlands following the attacks, emphasized to Schoof that Israel will not tolerate persecution of Jews and Israelis in Europe.
During the incident, youth attackers targeted Israeli fans on scooters and by foot, assaulting them before quickly escaping police efforts to secure the city. These events have led to heightened security around Jewish sites in Amsterdam, a city with a significant Jewish community, which has faced growing incidents of antisemitism in recent years. Local authorities have since imposed a ban on demonstrations throughout the city and have escalated security around Jewish landmarks.
In response to these attacks, Schoof met with representatives of the Dutch Jewish community, expressing concern over the impact of rising antisemitism. The Amsterdam mayor also stated that prior to the match, the national counterterrorism body reported no “concrete threat” to Israeli fans, categorizing the game as low-risk, despite concerns voiced by Israel.
