Israeli soccer fans targeted in wave of violence in Amsterdam

Maccabi Tel Aviv FC was in Amsterdam to play Ajax

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Maccabi Tel Aviv FC supporters were reportedly the target of violence in Amsterdam Thursday before and during the soccer team’s match against Ajax.

Videos posted on social media appeared to show multiple fights in streets. 

Spanish media reported earlier in the week anti-Israel agitators would protest outside the stadium where the match was being played, targeting the club and its fans.

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Israel soccer fans

Israeli fans with flags in the stands. (Reuters/Jennifer Lorenzini)

Danny Danon, the Israeli ambassador to the United Nations, gave an exclusive statement to Fox News Digital on Thursday night.

"We are seeing a pogrom against Jews and Israelis unfold in Amsterdam," Danon said. "In 2024. This must stop. ‘Globalize the intifada’ was not just a slogan for these terrorist supporters. I urge the Dutch government to help all Israelis and Jewish people immediately. It’s time to respond with force against these barbaric rioters."

Danon also elaborated and posted a video on X

"We are receiving very disturbing reports of extreme violence against Israelis and Jews on the streets of Holland," he wrote. "There is a pogrom currently taking place in Europe in 2024. These are the true faces of the supporters of the radical terrorism we are fighting. The western world needs to wake up now!!

WARNING: GRAPHIC VIDEO

"This is the time when the UN should immediately and clearly condemn the violence of the Palestinians and their supporters. The Dutch authorities must take decisive action against terrorism now."

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Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett called on Dutch authorities to act.

Dozens of arrests were made Thursday night, most before the match, the Netherlands’ RTL reported.

"There have been disturbances, including on the Dam," a Dutch national police spokesperson told the outlet. "We cannot indicate who belongs to whom. The groups are not easy to distinguish from each other, almost all of them are wearing dark clothes."

Maccabi players warm up

Maccabi Tel Aviv players warm up before a match. (Reuters/Yves Herman)

The incidents occurred 13 months after Hamas launched a terrorist attack on Israel, killing and kidnapping hundreds.

The Jerusalem Post noted the attacks came hours after the Netherlands commemorated the 86th anniversary of Kristallnacht.

Fox News' Ben Evansky contributed to this report.

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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

Authored by Ryan Gaydos via FoxNews November 7th 2024