Amsterdam police have arrested over 60 individuals following what authorities termed as "hateful antisemitic violence" against Israeli football fans. A plane carrying these supporters, brought back by the Israeli government, landed at Ben Gurion airport in Israel on Friday, after clashes occurred in the Dutch capital on Thursday. These clashes took place following a Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Amsterdam's mayor, Femke Halsema, described an "outburst" of antisemitism, with "hit and run" attacks targeting the visiting supporters. "Men on scooters crisscrossed the city looking for Israeli football fans. It was a hit and run. I can easily understand that this brings back memories of pogroms," Halsema said. "Our city has been deeply damaged. Jewish culture has been deeply threatened. This is an outburst of antisemitism that I hope to never see again."

Both Israeli and Dutch leaders condemned the attacks, while a prominent Jewish group stated that the Dutch capital should be "deeply ashamed". Police reported launching "a major investigation into multiple violent incidents", with five individuals hospitalized and 62 arrested. There was no evidence of "kidnappings or hostage takings", but police were investigating such reports.

In several parts of the city, supporters were attacked, abused, and pelted with fireworks, necessitating intervention by riot police to protect Israeli supporters and escort them to hotels. Residents and businesses in Amsterdam were shocked by what seemed to be organized small groups of locals chasing Israeli fans in the city center after the match.

Theodoor van Boven, owner of the Condomerie near Dam Square, witnessed gangs apparently hunting and chasing opposing fans. "What we saw here in the street in the evening and at night were groups of often Dutch groups who were out hunting, who were looking for Maccabi fans. They were on foot in groups, on scooters, riding round looking, and telephoning each other – it [seemed to be] organized." A young woman, identified only as Pnina, recounted her experience at Schipol airport, saying her group had hidden in their hotel "until it was safe to go outside". Another departing fan, Ron, described it as a "terrible night" and "very scary".

Amsterdam's police chief, Peter Holla, noted incidents on both sides, starting when Maccabi fans tore down a Palestinian flag and shouted "fuck you Palestine". Holla mentioned Maccabi fans vandalizing a taxi, leading to an online call for taxi drivers to gather at a casino where 400 Israeli supporters were present. Police safely escorted supporters out of the casino.

A verified social media video showed Maccabi fans setting off flares and chanting pro-Israeli slogans. Police chief Holla reported a large crowd of Maccabi supporters gathering on Dam Square, leading to fights on both sides. Before the match, police escorted pro-Palestine demonstrators to an agreed protest location, but they then split into small groups "looking for confrontation".

There were no reports of trouble during the match at the Johan Cruyff arena, where Ajax defeated Maccabi 5-0. However, serious violence erupted in the city center later, targeting Israeli fans, resulting in several "serious assaults". Holla defended his force from accusations by far-right leader Geert Wilders, stating he was shocked despite police being "maximally prepared".

One Amsterdam resident, Barbara Weenink, found the behavior of Israeli fans threatening. Weenink, who has demonstrated at pro-Palestine events, was warned not to go out with a keffiyeh. She did not witness the events after the match but had seen Israeli football fans before it.

The conflict in Gaza has heightened community tensions across Europe, with rising antisemitic abuse and attacks, as well as Islamophobic incidents. In a statement, Israel's prime minister's office described a "planned antisemitic attack against Israeli citizens" and requested increased security for the Dutch Jewish community. Netanyahu canceled plans to send military rescue planes to Amsterdam, focusing instead on commercial airlines like El Al.

El Al announced a first flight from Amsterdam to Tel Aviv on Friday afternoon, with further free flights continuing on Saturday as necessary. Netanyahu also ordered the Mossad to draw up a plan to prevent unrest at events abroad. Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof expressed horror at the antisemitic attacks on Israeli civilians, promising that perpetrators would be identified and prosecuted.

Far-right leader Wilders criticized the Dutch government for a "lack of urgency". Leaders of Dutch Jewish organizations noted the violence coincided with the commemoration of Kristallnacht. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Uefa condemned the incidents, with the UN and Germany's foreign minister also expressing concern.

In a tweet, US antisemitism envoy Deborah Lipstadt called for an investigation. Ajax released a statement condemning the violence, expressing horror at the events in Amsterdam's city center.

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