Dutch authorities say people on scooters attacked Israeli fans overnight after a soccer game in Amsterdam apparently fueled by calls to target Jewish people spread online.

Israeli fans were assaulted after a soccer game in Amsterdam by hordes of young people apparently riled up by calls on social media to target Jewish people, Dutch authorities said Friday. Five people were treated for injuries at hospitals and dozens were arrested.

Ahead of the game, large crowds of supporters of the Israeli team could be seen on video chanting anti-Arab slogans as they headed to the stadium, escorted by police.

“Let the IDF win, and (expletive) the Arabs,” the fans chanted, using the acronym of the Israeli military, as they shook their fists. It also showed police pushing several pro-Palestinian protesters away from a Maccabi fan gathering in a square earlier in the day.

  • breakfastmtn@lemmy.caEnglish
    215·
    13 days ago

    The claims are from Dutch authorities, not a random “someone,” and not solely from Israeli authorities. From the Guardian’s coverage:

    The mayor of Amsterdam, Femke Halsema, described an “outburst” of antisemitism with “hit and run” attacks on the visiting supporters.

    “Men on scooters crisscrossed the city looking for Israeli football fans. It was a hit and run. I can easily understand that this brings back memories of pogroms,” Halsema said. “Our city has been deeply damaged. Jewish culture has been deeply threatened. This is an outburst of antisemitism that I hope to never see again.”

    . . .

    Theodoor van Boven, who owns the Condomerie, near Dam Square on the Warmoesstraat, said he saw gangs apparently hunting and chasing opposing fans. “What we saw here in the street in the evening and at night were groups of often Dutch groups who were out hunting, who were looking for Maccabi fans. They were on foot in groups, on scooters, riding round looking, and telephoning each other – it [seemed to be] organised.”

    And, yes, “Jew hunts” are racist even if particular Jews who end up being hunted are themselves racist assholes.

      • breakfastmtn@lemmy.caEnglish
        39·
        13 days ago

        Just a dodge, really, but I get it. It ain’t easy defending organized Jew hunts.

        To stop dancing around it, if someone called you up and said, “hey, let’s get together tonight and hunt some Jews!”, would you think that’s an okay thing to do or a fucked up thing to do?

        While there were clashes between pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli groups (and other incidents), the Dutch authorities – who know more about this than any of us – have been unequivocal: the “hunt” was both racist and coordinated. If, say, Dutch neo-Nazis wanted to use anti-Israeli sentiment as a cover for racist violence, how do you think this would look different? Do you think it’s okay for Dutch neo-Nazis to do that?

        And, if their investigation discovers neo-Nazis or other racist, far-right groups (who are very active in the Netherlands) doing just that, will you own supporting and defending their activity?

        • givesomefucks@lemmy.worldEnglish
          62·
          13 days ago

          The thing is, you’re still falling for propaganda, and after the recent election I just don’t have the patience to try and talk you out of it

          • breakfastmtn@lemmy.caEnglish
            1·
            12 days ago

            Again, I’m not “falling for propaganda,” unless you have a good explanation for how the Dutch police, the mayor of Amsterdam, and the king of the Netherlands are Israeli agents or somehow beholden to Israel to become vehicles for their propaganda. But we can leave it here. I think we’re all feeling pretty fucked up after the election. Take care of yourself :)