On November 27th, 2021, a group of Israeli soccer fans were attacked in Amsterdam while on their way to watch a match between their team, Maccabi Haifa, and Dutch club Feyenoord. The shocking incident unfolded in the streets of Amsterdam, leaving several fans injured and sparking outrage among the Israeli community.
The attack reportedly began when a group of around 100 Feyenoord supporters, some of whom were wearing masks, approached the Israeli fans near the famous Dam Square. The Dutch hooligans started hurling bottles, stones, and other objects at the Israeli fans, causing chaos and panic to ensue. Reports indicate that the attackers were shouting anti-Semitic slogans and waving Palestinian flags during the assault.
The Israeli fans, caught off guard by the sudden violence, tried to defend themselves as best as they could. However, they were vastly outnumbered and overwhelmed by the aggressive Feyenoord supporters. Despite the efforts of the Dutch police to intervene and separate the two groups, the attackers continued their assault on the Israeli fans.
Several fans were left with injuries, including cuts and bruises, while others were traumatized by the harrowing experience. The Israeli Embassy in the Netherlands condemned the attack, calling it a “shameful and despicable act of violence.” Israel’s Foreign Ministry also issued a statement expressing its outrage over the incident and demanding that the perpetrators be brought to justice.
In response to the attack, Feyenoord issued a statement condemning the violence and expressing sympathy for the victims. The club’s director, Mark Koevermans, apologized to the Maccabi Haifa fans and promised to assist in any way possible to ensure their safety and well-being.
The incident in Amsterdam has reignited concerns over the rise of anti-Semitism in Europe and the need for stronger measures to combat such hatred. It serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by Israeli fans when traveling to support their teams in foreign countries.
As investigations into the attack continue, it is essential for authorities to take swift action to identify and prosecute those responsible for the violence. The safety and security of all sports fans, regardless of their nationality, must be prioritized to prevent such incidents from happening again in the future.
