Maccabi Tel Aviv Fans Blamed for Amsterdam Riots
On November 7, Maccabi Tel Aviv fans participated in a pro-Israel demonstration in Amsterdam, which escalated into riots before and after their match against Ajax Amsterdam in the European Football League. Anna Joseph, a board member of the Dutch Jewish anti-Zionist organization Irv Rav, criticized the fans for their role in the violence, attributing it to racist chants and provocations aimed at Palestinians and Arabs. Joseph highlighted that the Israeli fans engaged in behavior such as tearing up Palestinian flags and vandalizing public property, which incited further unrest.
The chants reportedly included inflammatory phrases that celebrated violence against Palestinians, raising concerns about the safety of the local Arab and Muslim communities. Despite the violence, Dutch authorities arrested 57 Arab and Palestinian fans, while no Israeli fans faced charges, leading to accusations of a double standard in law enforcement. Joseph emphasized that the portrayal of the events as “anti-Semitic” by Dutch media and officials overlooks the provocations initiated by the Israeli fans.
Criticism of Dutch Government's Response
Joseph criticized the Dutch government's silence regarding the actions of Maccabi Tel Aviv fans, arguing that it reflects a bias that exacerbates tensions within Dutch society. She asserted that the distinction between criticism of Israeli state policies and anti-Semitism is crucial, warning that conflating the two endangers Jews who oppose Zionist policies. Joseph's organization aims to clarify this separation, advocating for Palestinian rights without being labeled as anti-Semitic.
The growing solidarity with the Palestinian cause in the Netherlands has sparked anger among Israeli supporters, particularly in light of visible displays of Palestinian flags and historical maps in Amsterdam. This atmosphere of heightened tensions has led to mass demonstrations across Dutch cities, including Amsterdam, Utrecht, and The Hague, where participants condemn Israeli actions in Gaza and call for an end to violence.
