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From Provocation to Pogrom: How an Ajax Match Triggered Antisemitic Violence
What began as provocative acts by Israeli soccer fans in Amsterdam descended into a disturbing eruption of antisemitic violence, leaving over 100 injured in a scene that has rattled Europe and sparked urgent calls for accountability.
The catalyst was the Europa League match between Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv and Amsterdam’s Ajax on November 7th. Tensions were already simmering in the Dutch capital due to the recent resurgence of hostilities between Israel and Palestinian militant groups in Gaza.
In the leadup to the game, videos circulated showing groups of Maccabi supporters taunting locals by burning a Palestinian flag and chanting anti-Arab slogans unprovoked. Their actions drew condemnation from Palestinian officials as “a showcase of systemic Israeli racism.”
“They were basically asking for trouble with that kind of reprehensible behavior as guests in our city,” said Ali El Khayri, a Palestinian-Dutch community leader. “But that doesn’t excuse what happened next.”
What transpired after the match can only be described as a disturbing pattern of antisemitic violence. As Israeli fans made their way through Amsterdam, roving groups comprised of young people began waging “hit-and-run” attacks, in some cases confirming their victims’…
