Amsterdam temporarily bans protests after antisemitic attack on Israeli soccer fans

The city of Amsterdam on Friday banned protests for three days, after dozens of Israeli soccer fans were injured during antisemitic demonstrations on Thursday, following a soccer game between Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv and the Netherlands' Ajax.

Approximately 20-30 Israeli soccer fans were lightly injured in the antisemitic attacks overnight, per local police, and five soccer fans were more seriously injured and released from the hospital on Friday. A total of 63 demonstrators were arrested over the incidents and 10 remain in custody, per CNN.

The demonstrators were carrying Palestinian flags and shouting "Free Palestine," according to the Times of Israel. The Israeli Foreign ministry urged Israeli citizens not to leave their hotels in Amsterdam on Thursday night, and the Israeli national security council urged Israelis not to display any Israeli or Jewish symbols. 

Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema on Friday said the attackers scoured the city on scooters in search of Israeli fans. She said that a ban on protests will be in place through Sunday, and that there will be a bolstered police presence. 

“This is a terrible moment for our city … I am very ashamed of the behavior that was shown last night,” the mayor said.

Halsema also banned “face-covering clothing” and “carrying objects” that could lead to unrest. 

Amsterdam police said that the attacks occurred on Thursday despite an increase in police presence in the center of the city because of heightened tensions on Wednesday, and before the game on Thursday.

Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof slammed the unrest on Friday, stating the attacks were "horrific." 

“There are always problems around football matches, and football matches regarding the Israeli team also has special attention from the police, but the things that happened last night are just terrible, horrific,” Schoof told reporters. “This is completely unacceptable. I am in close contact with all parties involved and have spoken to (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu by phone to stress that the perpetrators will be identified and prosecuted." 

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.