AMSTERDAM — Authorities in Amsterdam prepared for another night of potential violence on Tuesday as the city faces ongoing unrest fueled by antisemitism, following attacks on visiting Israeli football fans last week.
The situation escalated after clashes erupted following Thursday's match between Israel's Maccabi Tel Aviv and Dutch team Ajax. In response, emergency measures were put in place last Friday, banning most protests and increasing police presence throughout the Dutch capital. However, tensions have continued to simmer.
Amsterdam Police Chief Olivier Dutilh expressed concern over social media calls for more unrest, particularly in the city's western districts. "There are calls for women and children to stay home tonight. That worries us deeply," Dutilh said.
On Monday night, violence erupted in western Amsterdam, with a tram set on fire, windows smashed, and police officers attacked with stones. Videos circulating online showed individuals shouting antisemitic slurs as fireworks exploded inside the tram, shattering windows and igniting the vehicle. Police detained three individuals during the chaos, one of whom was injured by the fireworks.
The unrest followed a banned pro-Palestinian demonstration on Sunday in central Amsterdam, where over 50 people were arrested. Despite the heavy police presence, disturbances continued, including the assault of a cyclist who was pulled off his bike and beaten.
The city has extended emergency measures until at least Thursday, prohibiting protests and enforcing a ban on face coverings in areas at risk of disruption. However, a scheduled Gaza demonstration on Tuesday was permitted to proceed in a park away from the city center under strict supervision. Meanwhile, Jewish institutions across Amsterdam have been provided with additional security.
Surge in Antisemitism Sparks National Outrage
The wave of violence has sparked widespread condemnation throughout the Netherlands. Amsterdam's City Council held an emergency debate on Tuesday, while the Dutch parliament is set to discuss the unrest, following a request by far-right politician Geert Wilders. Wilders attributed the violence to the Netherlands' immigration policies, which he claims have led to increased social tensions.
The disturbances in Amsterdam were preceded by rising tensions between fans of Maccabi Tel Aviv and local supporters. Ahead of the match, videos surfaced showing Maccabi fans chanting anti-Arab slurs and praising Israeli military actions. Incidents of vandalism, including the burning of a Palestinian flag, further inflamed the situation.
During Thursday's unrest, groups of rioters, both on foot and using scooters and cars, targeted Maccabi supporters in hit-and-run style attacks. Several people were injured, and five required hospital treatment. In a separate incident, taxi drivers mobilized near a casino where around 400 Maccabi fans had gathered. Police escorted the fans safely out, but scuffles continued around the area.
In a statement, Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema described the violence as stemming from a "toxic mix of antisemitism, hooliganism, and anger over the conflicts in Palestine, Israel, and the broader Middle East." She noted the city's consideration of canceling Thursday's game but decided against it, fearing a cancellation would escalate tensions further given the large number of fans already present in the city.
Halsema also revealed that during the peak of the violence, she attempted to contact the Dutch Prime Minister at 3 a.m. but was unable to reach him. She then informed the Minister of Justice and Security, who relayed the situation to the prime minister.
"The antisemitic rhetoric I witnessed in some Telegram groups, where people spoke of 'hunting Jews,' was deeply shocking and unacceptable," Halsema said in a press conference last Friday, condemning the hate speech as disgraceful.
As of Tuesday, Amsterdam police reported a total of 62 arrests related to the violence, including 10 Israeli citizens. The Public Prosecution Service confirmed that four suspects, including two minors, remain in custody as investigations continue. Authorities remain on high alert, anticipating potential further unrest in the coming days.
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