Amsterdam Mayor Bans Demonstrations Amid Antisemitic Violence
Amsterdam’s Mayor, Femke Halsema, has taken decisive action by banning all demonstrations over the weekend in response to a disturbing wave of antisemitic violence targeting supporters of the Israeli soccer club, Maccabi Tel Aviv. This decision was prompted by alarming incidents where groups of youths, both on scooters and on foot, assaulted fans during the matches on Thursday and Friday, an event that has drawn widespread condemnation for its overt displays of antisemitism.
On Sunday afternoon, in collaboration with Amsterdam police and the public prosecutor’s office, the municipality extended the ban on demonstrations through to Thursday morning, highlighting the seriousness of the situation. In light of these events, Israel’s ambassador to the Netherlands announced that approximately 2,000 Israelis were evacuated on special flights from Amsterdam in recent days to ensure their safety.
Prior to the match against Ajax, Maccabi fans were involved in more confrontational actions, including tearing down a Palestinian flag from a building in Amsterdam and chanting anti-Arab slogans on their way to the stadium. Reports also indicated that clashes erupted involving Maccabi supporters, further exacerbating tensions in the city.
Local newspaper Het Parool reported that around 100 individuals were detained during the unrest, with many being transported away in police buses. Although police confirmed the detentions, specific numbers were not disclosed. The protests saw demonstrators chanting slogans such as “Free, free Palestine.”
In a statement on X, Amsterdam Municipality announced that police had begun arresting demonstrators who refused to vacate a central square, a crucial area in the city known for its bustling shopping and proximity to historic canals. Organizers of the protest sought legal recourse on Sunday morning to overturn the ban, but a judge upheld the municipality’s restrictions.
During the court proceedings, senior police officer Olivier Dutilh revealed that there were further incidents overnight involving individuals perceived to be Jewish, including reports of some being forcibly removed from taxis and others being asked to present their passports to verify their nationality. This prompted police to initiate a large-scale investigation following the violent attacks.
On Friday, after a series of what Mayor Halsema described as “hit and run” assaults inspired by social media calls targeting Jewish individuals, police reported that five victims required hospitalization while over 60 suspects were apprehended. In response to these alarming developments, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar quickly traveled to the Netherlands, offering Israel’s assistance in the ongoing police investigation. He met with Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof on Saturday, expressing concern that the attacks and demands for passport verification were reminiscent of “dark periods in history.”
In a related development, Paris police announced preparations for a France-Israel soccer match scheduled for Thursday, deploying 4,000 officers along with 1,600 stadium staff to secure the event and ensure safety in and around the stadium, as well as on public transportation.
