The King of the Netherlands, Willem-Alexander, expressed deep regret over recent attacks on Israeli football fans in Amsterdam, likening the nation’s failure to protect the Jewish community now to the failures during the Second World War.

In a meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, the King voiced his “horror and shock” at the incidents, in which he stated, “We failed the Jewish community of the Netherlands during the Second World War, and last night, we failed again.” He further declared, “We cannot ignore antisemitic behavior on our streets,” stressing that history shows how intimidation can escalate into severe consequences.

The Mayor of Amsterdam, Femke Halsema, echoed the King’s condemnation, labeling the attacks on Israeli fans “a dark day” for the city. The violence, which occurred after a Europa League match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax, left up to 30 Israeli supporters injured, with five hospitalized. Over 60 people were arrested, with 10 still in custody. Halsema described the events as “antisemitic hit-and-run attacks,” where rioters on scooters targeted Maccabi supporters before quickly fleeing from a heavy police presence.

Increased Security and International Response

Security has been heightened across Amsterdam, with more officers deployed amid rising antisemitic incidents. The city’s Jewish community, like others globally, has faced increased threats and hate mail since recent escalations in the Gaza conflict.

The Israeli government responded by dispatching additional flights to bring fans home, and Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced an urgent visit to Amsterdam. Meanwhile, Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof condemned the attacks, calling them “completely unacceptable” and pledging a thorough investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible.

Escalating Tensions and Protests

According to the police, disturbances began before the game, with Maccabi supporters seen chanting anti-Arab slogans and burning a Palestinian flag. After the match, tensions rose as pro-Palestinian demonstrators attempted to approach the stadium. Video footage showed confrontations in which Israeli fans were assaulted, including near Amsterdam Central Station.

The incident coincided with the anniversary of Kristallnacht, the infamous 1938 Nazi-led pogrom against Jewish communities. The Israeli embassy in The Hague condemned the violence as “horrifying” and shared videos showing Israeli fans being attacked, comparing the events to those of Nazi Germany.

International leaders also voiced support. French President Emmanuel Macron denounced the violence, pledging to combat antisemitism, while German Chancellor Olaf Scholz insisted that Jews must feel safe in Europe, saying, “anyone who attacks Jews is attacking all of us.”

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This video, published by Kan public broadcaster with the Sarusi family’s permission, offers insight into the hostages’ final moments. In August, six Israeli hostages, including Sarusi, were executed by their captors as Israeli forces approached. These individuals had been taken from the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023, and held in the Gaza tunnel system for nearly a year.

In the video, the broadcast shows a protest scene with a demonstrator holding Sarusi’s photo. Two men, speaking Arabic off-camera, discuss the broadcast. Hebrew subtitles translate their conversation, which aired on Kan Wednesday night. While it’s unclear who is speaking, the exchange appears to be between two men:

“Yes, there he is — Almog Sarusi,” says one, pausing the TV report.

“Yes, he has long hair,” responds the other.

“They set up a sort of encampment,” one voice adds, referring to the families protesting for a deal to secure their loved ones’ release.

“The ones lifting up the photos of [the hostages] — those are their families,” another voice says.

This video was released two months after the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) discovered the bodies of the six hostages—Hersh Goldberg-Polin, 23; Eden Yerushalmi, 24; Ori Danino, 25; Alex Lobanov, 32; Carmel Gat, 40; and Almog Sarusi, 27. Forensic analysis revealed they had been killed less than 72 hours before their bodies were recovered on September 1. Reports suggest the hostages, possibly used as human shields for Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, had survived for months on minimal food like energy bars before their eventual execution.

The situation remains critical, with 97 of the 251 hostages taken by Hamas on October 7 believed to be still in Gaza, along with the bodies of at least 34 hostages confirmed dead by the IDF.

In a late-November truce, Hamas released 105 civilians, following the earlier release of four other hostages. Eight hostages were rescued alive by Israeli forces, and the bodies of 37 hostages have also been recovered, including three killed unintentionally by Israeli military efforts during escape attempts. Additionally, Hamas is believed to be holding two Israeli civilians who entered Gaza in 2014 and 2015, as well as the bodies of two IDF soldiers killed in 2014.

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