Dutch Prime Minister Condemns Antisemitic Attacks in Amsterdam

The violent attacks on Israeli soccer fans in Amsterdam last Thursday night have sparked outrage and served as a wake-up call for the Netherlands in its battle against rising antisemitism. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte described the attacks as a "turning point" in the country's approach to the issue of Jew-hatred, during a meeting with Israel's new Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa’ar, earlier this week.

At a private meeting in The Hague, Rutte expressed his determination to bring the attackers to justice and emphasized the Dutch government's commitment to ensuring the safety of the Jewish community in the country. This came amid alarming reports that, of the 63 individuals detained in connection with the attacks, only four remained in custody.

In a social media post following the meeting, Rutte vowed that the Netherlands would continue to take robust actions against antisemitism. "We are doing everything we can to make sure the Jewish community feels safe," he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Rising Antisemitism in Europe: A Shared Concern

During their discussion, Sa’ar stressed that the modern form of antisemitism is no longer limited to traditional prejudices but has evolved into a political assault on Israel's legitimacy, including the denial of its right to exist and defend itself. This new wave of antisemitism, he warned, has been gaining momentum across Europe, including in the Netherlands.

Sa’ar pointed to the disturbing trend of anti-Israel rhetoric in international forums, including the United Nations, where Israel is frequently subjected to delegitimization. He made it clear that this phenomenon has not been observed with other democratic nations. "This kind of hostility is unprecedented in the world of democratic states," Sa’ar said.

Both leaders acknowledged the urgency of tackling this growing threat and pledged to work together to combat rising antisemitism, which has been emboldened in certain parts of Europe by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Sa’ar added that Europe must recognize the full scope of this challenge and take action to safeguard its values of tolerance and peace.

Violent Attacks and the Need for Stronger Protection

The attacks in Amsterdam, which left multiple Israeli fans wounded, were described as a “pogrom” by some international media outlets. The violence followed a UEFA Europa League match between Dutch team Ajax Amsterdam and Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv, during which a mob targeted Israeli supporters. Victims were beaten, thrown into canals, chased with knives, and attacked in vehicles. Some reports revealed that the attackers had organized their actions in advance through a Telegram group, with one participant describing the attacks as a “Jew hunt.”

The violence raised alarm over the inadequate security measures in place to protect Jewish visitors in the city. Dutch authorities faced widespread criticism for not doing enough to prevent the attacks, with some community leaders accusing the police of standing by as the violence unfolded.

El Al Flights Evacuate Israelis Amid Growing Tensions

In response to the attacks, Israel's national airline, El Al, organized emergency flights to evacuate approximately 2,000 Israeli citizens from the Netherlands. These flights were scheduled on Shabbat, with special permission from Israel’s Chief Rabbis, highlighting the severity of the situation. The operation, which reportedly cost millions of shekels, was part of an ongoing effort to ensure the safety of Israeli nationals abroad.

Meanwhile, Dutch police have also been grappling with reports of "Free Palestine" stickers being found throughout Amsterdam, some containing hidden razor blades. These stickers, which were discovered near the Holocaust Museum, are believed to be part of a broader campaign of intimidation against Jewish institutions in the city.

Controversial Comments Spark Outrage in France

In a related development, French politician Marie Mesmeur sparked controversy by defending the attackers in Amsterdam, claiming that the Israeli fans were not targeted because they were Jewish, but because they were “racist” and supported “genocide.” Her comments were widely condemned by both Jewish groups and political leaders across the spectrum, including members of the French left. The French Interior Minister, Bruno Retailleau, reported Mesmeur's comments to the Paris Prosecutor, citing a violation of the law against incitement to violence.

The incident has intensified concerns over antisemitism in Europe, with critics arguing that such statements only serve to fuel hatred and justify violence against Jewish people.

A Call for Urgent Action Against Antisemitism

As the situation unfolds, both Dutch and international leaders have reiterated the importance of taking immediate and decisive action against rising antisemitism. The Netherlands, in particular, has committed to strengthening its national efforts to confront Jew-hatred and ensure the safety and security of Jewish communities. Prime Minister Rutte's decision to cancel his participation in the COP Climate Summit and focus on the situation in Amsterdam underlines the severity with which the Dutch government is taking this issue.