Bassem Youssef Critiques Violence by Israeli Fans in Amsterdam
Egyptian media personality Bassem Youssef has spoken out against the recent clashes in Amsterdam involving Israeli fans following a European Football League match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax Amsterdam. In a series of posts on his social media accounts, Youssef accused the fans of inciting violence while portraying themselves as victims. He highlighted their chants, including "Death to the Arabs" and "No schools or children in Gaza," which he described as deeply offensive and indicative of a broader issue of hostility.
Youssef pointed out that many of the fans involved had served as reserve soldiers in the Israeli army, participating in operations that resulted in civilian casualties in Palestine and Lebanon. He expressed frustration with Western media's portrayal of the events, suggesting that it often overlooks the actions of Israeli fans while focusing on the reactions against them. Youssef stated, "The Western media and the United States continue to support Israel. The Zionists are adept at pretending to be victims. Without American weapons and Western media support, they would not have such backing."
Public Reactions and Support for Youssef
The post by Youssef garnered significant attention and engagement, with followers expressing their views on the situation. Comments ranged from support for Youssef's stance to condemnations of the violence perpetrated by the Israeli fans. One follower remarked, "They destroyed our city and attacked people, so it is natural that they would face a response. We do not tolerate violence and hatred." A supporter from Gaza expressed gratitude for Youssef's comments, underscoring the emotional resonance of the issue.
In a related reaction, Egyptian artist Mohamed Henedy shared a clip from his 1999 film "Hamam in Amsterdam," which touches on themes of cultural identity and conflict, further engaging his audience on social media about the current events. Henedy's film features a scene where he refuses to shake hands with an Israeli colleague, drawing parallels to the ongoing tensions.
Israeli Government's Response
In response to the incidents in Amsterdam, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office issued a statement urging the Dutch government to take decisive action against those involved in the violence. Netanyahu called for increased security measures to protect the Jewish community in the Netherlands, reflecting the heightened sensitivities surrounding the events. The clashes, which erupted last Thursday night, included incidents of Israeli fans tearing up Palestinian flags and chanting anti-Arab slogans, prompting widespread condemnation from various quarters.
