Dutch far-right politician Geert Wilders called on Friday for the expulsion of the Muslim rioters who attacked Israelis in the streets of Amsterdam. He likened the violence to a “Jew hunt,” and in a post on X, he demanded, “Arrest and deport the multicultural scum that attacked Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters in our streets. Ashamed that this can happen in The Netherlands. Totally unacceptable.”
Wilders also emphasized that government leaders should be held accountable for their failure to protect Israeli citizens.
The violent episode unfolded overnight on Thursday, when Israeli soccer fans were ambushed and severely beaten by a group shouting “Free Palestine.”
In response, Israeli authorities quickly arranged for planes to evacuate citizens from the city.
The violent mob attacked supporters of Maccabi Tel Aviv as they exited a stadium after a Europa League match against AFC Ajax, a Dutch team. The Israeli Embassy in the U.S. shared details, noting that the embassy had received footage showing one attacker yelling “Free Palestine” as a victim hid in fear. The embassy condemned the violence, stating, “The mob who targeted these innocent Israelis has proudly shared their violent acts on social media.”
Further disturbing footage surfaced, showing a victim surrounded by a group, one of whom appeared to be waving a Palestinian flag, as the victim was violently kicked to the ground. Another video depicted a victim lying on the street, repeatedly kicked by the attackers.
In one instance, a car was driven into a victim, knocking him onto the hood of the vehicle, according to the footage shared by the embassy. The embassy’s statement concluded, “Israeli soccer fans should be allowed to support their team without fear of physical danger. The days of chasing Jews down European city streets should remain in the dark annals of history.”
On Friday morning, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the deployment of two rescue planes to assist Israelis in Amsterdam. Netanyahu also urged Dutch authorities to take prompt action against the rioters and to guarantee the safety of Israeli citizens. The prime minister’s office tweeted, “The harsh pictures of the assault on our citizens in Amsterdam will not be overlooked.”
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar reached out to his Dutch counterpart Caspar Veldkamp to ensure the safe transportation of Israelis to the airport. According to CNN, at least 10 Israelis were injured in the attacks. Sa’ar condemned the violence, stating that the attacks on Jews and Israelis were “horrific and barbaric.”
IDF spokesperson Nadav Shoshani expressed outrage over the events, highlighting the historic duty of the IDF to protect its people wherever they may be. Shoshani said, “The IDF has an historic duty of protecting our people, wherever they are. We are preparing to deploy a mission to rescue Israelis from Amsterdam.”
The rise in antisemitism has been linked to the violent conflict that escalated after Hamas’s October 7th attack on Israel. Ambassador Deborah Lipstadt, the U.S. Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism, expressed her shock at the Amsterdam attacks, calling them “terribly reminiscent of a classic pogrom.” She also emphasized the disturbing timing, coming just two days before the anniversary of Reichspogromnacht, the infamous 1938 Nazi-led pogroms against Jews. Lipstadt called for a full investigation into the events, including how the security forces responded.

{Matzav.com}