On Thursday, November 7, 2024, a wave of antisemitic violence erupted in Amsterdam following a Europa League match between Ajax Amsterdam and Maccabi Tel Aviv.
What began as a sporting event quickly devolved into a nightmare for Jewish and Israeli fans, who were targeted in organized attacks throughout the city.
Coordinated Attacks on Jewish Fans
Before the game even began, Palestinians and Muslims —allegedly supported and organized by groups like SJP Amsterdam—were seen using encrypted messaging platforms to coordinate their actions. In a Telegram group with over 4,000 members, members openly discussed plans to disrupt the event and intimidate Jewish fans, referring to them in dehumanizing terms and calling for a “hunt.”
As Maccabi Tel Aviv fans left the Johan Cruijff Arena following the 5-0 victory for Ajax, they were ambushed by groups armed with knives and baseball bats. Attackers reportedly yelled pro-Palestinian slogans like “Free Palestine” while assaulting Jewish individuals in several locations near the stadium and throughout Amsterdam. Videos circulating on social media showed chaotic scenes of violence, with groups of attackers targeting individuals on city streets.
Violence Spreads Across Amsterdam
The violence quickly spread from the stadium area to the broader city, affecting Jewish neighborhoods and tourist areas. Reports describe a series of brutal incidents:
- Stabbings and Assaults: Groups of attackers targeted Jewish civilians, using weapons and physically assaulting those they identified as Israeli or Jewish.
- Vehicle Rammings: Several Jews were reportedly run over in targeted vehicle attacks.
- Hotel Incursions and Arson: Muslim migrants and pro-Palestinian extremists allegedly broke into hotels known to host Israeli guests, threw incendiary devices, and burned Israeli flags. These actions terrorized tourists and locals alike, with attackers showing no hesitation in expressing their animosity.
Despite a city ban on protests near the stadium, pro-Palestinian demonstrators ignored restrictions and approached the venue, further escalating tensions. Amsterdam police eventually intervened, but not before numerous violent acts were committed. By the early hours of Friday morning, 62 arrests had been made, and five people were hospitalized with serious injuries.
Minutes By Minute Breakdown
Days Leading Up to November 7, 2024
Pro-Palestinian groups and other organized groups, began coordinating plans to disrupt the Europa League match between Ajax Amsterdam and Maccabi Tel Aviv. In a Telegram group named “TAXI | UPDATE 24/7,” Palestinian sympathizers and extremists discussed tactics for targeting Israeli and Jewish fans, including placing Palestinian flags in the city as “bait” and calling for violent “hunts” on Jewish individuals.
November 7, 2024, Morning
Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters arrived in Amsterdam to attend the highly anticipated Europa League match at Johan Cruijff Arena. Tensions escalated as Maccabi fans encountered a hostile environment, with visible threats and clashes already occurring in public areas like Dam Square.
3:00 PM (Match Kickoff)
The UEFA Europa League match between Ajax Amsterdam and Maccabi Tel Aviv began at Johan Cruijff Arena. Amsterdam police had banned protests near the stadium, but this did not prevent pro-Palestinian demonstrators from gathering nearby.
5:00 PM (Match Ends):
The UEFA Europa League match between Ajax Amsterdam and Maccabi Tel Aviv began at Johan Cruijff Arena. Amsterdam police had banned protests near the stadium, but this did not prevent pro-Palestinian demonstrators from gathering nearby.
5:30 PM~
Clashes between Maccabi supporters and pro-Palestinian demonstrators erupted outside the stadium, despite heavy police presence. Jewish and Israeli fans were “ambushed and attacked” in a series of violent incidents in the immediate vicinity of the arena.
5:30 PM~
Clashes between Maccabi supporters and pro-Palestinian demonstrators erupted outside the stadium, despite heavy police presence. Jewish and Israeli fans were “ambushed and attacked” in a series of violent incidents in the immediate vicinity of the arena.
6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Coordinated attacks unfolded throughout Amsterdam, targeting Jewish and Israeli individuals. The attacks reportedly included:
Verbal Harassment and Chanting: Attackers shouted “Free Palestine” and other pro-Palestinian slogans while carrying out these assaults, amplifying the targeted nature of the violence against Jews.
Ambushes and Physical Assaults: Groups of attackers, some armed with knives and baseball bats, physically assaulted Jews and Israelis across the city, specifically targeting people wearing symbols associated with Israel.
Vehicle Rammings: Jewish individuals were reportedly run over by cars in targeted vehicle attacks in various locations.
Hotel Incursions and Arson: Muslim migrants and pro-Palestinian extremists broke into hotels known to host Israeli guests. Incendiary devices were thrown, and Israeli flags were burned in acts of aggression meant to intimidate and terrorize Jewish visitors.
10:00 PM – Midnight
Videos circulated on social media showing the chaotic scenes of groups attacking Jews on city streets. By this time, the atmosphere in Amsterdam had escalated to a state of crisis, with pro-Palestinian mobs openly engaging in violence and terrorizing Jewish civilians.
November 8, 2024
12:00 AM – 3:00 AM
Amsterdam police reported that at least five people were hospitalized due to injuries, and 62/2000 arrests were made as law enforcement attempted to contain the violence. Local authorities issued warnings to Jewish residents and visitors to remain indoors due to the scale and brutality of the attacks.
3:00 AM
The Israeli government responded swiftly, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemning the attacks as “antisemitic acts of terror” and urging Dutch authorities to ensure the safety of Jewish citizens. The Israeli embassy issued a warning advising Israeli citizens to remain in their hotels.
4:30 AM
The Israeli government dispatched two planes to Amsterdam to assist and potentially evacuate affected Israeli citizens. The rapid deployment of rescue resources underscored the severity of the situation and the danger faced by Jewish individuals in Amsterdam.
7:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof publicly condemned the attacks, describing them as “completely unacceptable antisemitic violence.” Both Israeli and Dutch officials expressed their horror at the coordinated nature of the assaults, with some leaders and media drawing comparisons to historical antisemitic violence like Kristallnacht.
10:00 AM
International news outlets began reporting on the incidents, with coverage from major publications condemning the attacks and highlighting the threat to Jewish communities in Europe. The events drew global attention, leading to widespread condemnation from officials, Jewish organizations, and human rights advocates.
