A group of Israeli soccer fans were subjected to a shocking and perturbing experience in Amsterdam Thursday night when they were attacked by a pro-Palestinian mob. These fans had come to the Netherlands with full spirits to support their team, Maccabi Tel Aviv, in a Europa League match against Ajax Amsterdam. However, things darkened after, as it led to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu leading their responses to ensure that their safety returned them home.
The attack started reportedly after Maccabi Tel Aviv had lost to Ajax. Attackers targeted Israeli fans in several different parts of Amsterdam, shouting Arabic slurs and yelling “Free Palestine.” Such attacks were characterized by extreme hostility- at least ten Israelis were reportedly injured-and other unaccounted-for individuals are most profoundly disturbing. Some fans also had their passports stolen from them at these events, and that made things worse for them and complicated their travel back home.
Condemnations have also been issued by several officials of Israel concerning the violence and nature of attacks. Israel’s Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir came quick in condemning the attacks, describing these attacks as vigorously implanted in anti-Semitism. He recounted the stories of how Israelis suffered a lot of harassment whereby some people were beaten, kicked, and even thrown into the river. Another disturbing news is that the former Israeli special envoy Noa Tishby said one fan was forced to write “Free Palestine” before being allowed into an event.
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The attack has prompted Israel’s Foreign Ministry to ask all Israeli citizens in the Netherlands to go indoors for their safety. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar contacted Dutch authorities, demanding their help in safe passage for Israelis to reach the airport. The incident took on an international aspect when former PM Naftali Bennett demanded action be taken immediately to stop any further damage to Israelis in Amsterdam.
On the reaction of Netanyahu, acted quickly and boldly when he instructed two planes to evacuate the targeted Israeli fans who were in Amsterdam and take them back to Israel. In reality, what he said mirrors the gravity of the situation: that it’s “serious,” and appealing to the Dutch authorities to do something as soon as possible so as not to continue violence and protect the Israeli citizens.
It is shocking and disheartening to note that violence has been experienced by Israeli fans during what was supposed to be an entertaining and thrilling sporting event. In my opinion, it is utterly unacceptable to attack civilians based on their nationality or beliefs to settle the political difference between them, no matter how wrong the other side may be. That is not only unfair but highly damaging to the greater pursuit of peace and understanding. Personally, I hate such strikes and hope those events are opposed effectively so that anyone belonging to any nationality, or having any religion, can feel safe while staying abroad.
The Israeli Embassy in the United States also commented on the incident and confirmed that Maccabi Tel Aviv fans were attacked as they left the stadium. This adds another layer to one’s disappointment because sports events are supposed to be the ultimate places where people from all walks of life should congregate for their game.
In my view, those kinds of attacks only flourish divisions and enhance hatred. Citizens should never get mixed up with political log jams or violence. I really hope that justice will be served on behalf of the victims of this tragic incident and that all governments do better in protecting innocent people from such experiences in the future.
Minutes by M31GlobalNews
