World leaders strongly condemned the anti-Jewish riots in Amsterdam, with Netanyahu likening them to Kristallnacht.
The attack on Israeli fans in the capital of the Netherlands, which occurred after the Ajax - Maccabi match, has raised concerns among world leaders. They expressed outrage and called for the protection of Jews in Europe. Leaders from several countries and governments condemned the violence against Israeli football fans, emphasizing the need to ensure a safe environment for Jewish communities.
In a post on platform X, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stressed that "it is unacceptable to tolerate such acts of violence". German Foreign Minister Annalen Baerbock highlighted that violence against Jews crosses all possible boundaries and expressed deep outrage over the events in Amsterdam, labeling them shameful for Europe. She called for stricter measures to protect the Jewish community.
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte firmly condemned the antisemitic attacks, expressing hope for a swift investigation into the incident and punishment for those responsible. French President Emmanuel Macron also noted that these events serve as a reminder of tragic moments in European history, expressing support for the victims.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen voiced her outrage over the attack, assuring that Europe will resolutely combat all forms of hatred. The UN also expressed concern over the situation, calling for immediate actions to protect national and religious minorities.
Israeli leaders, including President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, described the attack on Israelis in Amsterdam as a pogrom, demanding decisive action from the Netherlands.
What Happened in Amsterdam
Recall that on November 7, the 4th round of the Europa League took place. Local Ajax defeated Maccabi Tel Aviv with a score of 5:0. Before the match, several clashes between local residents and fans from Israel were reported on the streets of the city. And after the match, a real hunt was launched against the Israelis. Maccabi fans reported that they were attacked by people waving Palestinian flags who chanted "Freedom for Palestine" during the brawls. Groups of unknown individuals raided hotels in search of Israelis. At least 30 Jews sustained serious injuries.
Following the clashes involving pro-Palestinian activists and Jews in Amsterdam, the Israeli government dispatched planes to evacuate citizens, while Netanyahu described the events in Amsterdam as a repetition of the Jewish pogroms in Nazi Germany in 1938, known historically as "Kristallnacht." According to Israeli media, Netanyahu stated that his country cannot tolerate such phenomena.
Kristallnacht (or "Night of Broken Glass" - ed.) refers to events that took place in Nazi Germany from November 9 to 10, 1938. This incident became a large-scale antisemitic campaign during which Nazis organized and carried out attacks on the Jewish community, leading to unprecedented destruction and violence. Nazi forces and their supporters destroyed over 1,400 synagogues, nearly all Jewish houses of worship in Germany. Thousands of Jewish businesses and homes were looted and damaged—broken windows and shards of glass littered the streets, giving this night its name. Approximately 91 Jews were killed, and thousands were beaten.
Almost 30,000 Jews were arrested and sent to concentration camps such as Dachau, Buchenwald, and Sachsenhausen, where many were tortured and killed.
The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) promised assistance in the investigation and holding those responsible accountable. Local authorities announced increased security in Amsterdam and a temporary ban on mass gatherings, aiming to prevent a recurrence of unrest in the future. All European leaders called for decisive actions to safeguard Jews and prevent further manifestations of antisemitism.