The echoes of past atrocities were unmistakable, forcing Europe to confront an unsettling question: Are the scars of antisemitism truly healed, or are they simply dormant, ready to reopen at the first spark of tension?
By Dr. Tim Orr
An unsettling scene unfolded in the heart of Amsterdam, known worldwide for its history of tolerance and refuge, sending shockwaves through the city and beyond. What was supposed to be an ordinary Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv quickly turned into a night of fear and violence for Israeli fans. Pursued through the streets by mobs, some armed with clubs and gripped by a hatred many believed belonged only to the past, these fans became the targets of a modern-day witch hunt. The echoes of past atrocities were unmistakable, forcing Europe to confront an unsettling question: Are the scars of antisemitism truly healed, or are they simply dormant, ready to reopen at the first spark of tension?
The tension surrounding the Ajax-Maccabi Tel Aviv match had been building for days, creating a climate ripe for violence. Videos surfaced of Israeli fans tearing down Palestinian flags and chanting anti-Arab slurs. Police also reported an incident where Israeli fans attacked a taxi driver and burned a Palestinian flag. By the time game day arrived, the atmosphere was supercharged with animosity and ripe for escalation, despite a ban by Amsterdam’s Mayor Femke Halsema on a nearby pro-Palestinian demonstration to prevent precisely such clashes.
The violence erupted in full force after the game ended in a tie. Eyewitness accounts, video footage, and police reports depict a harrowing sequence of events in which groups of attackers, described as “boys on scooters” by the mayor, pursued Israeli fans in what Dutch authorities are calling organized “hit-and-run” assaults. Armed with clubs, these assailants roamed the city, seeking out Israeli supporters in targeted attacks reminiscent of historical pogroms. One video captures a fan pleading, “I’m not Jewish,” as he was beaten to the ground. Others described fleeing into hotels for safety, while some were thrown into freezing waters or allegedly stabbed and run over by attackers. More than 60 people were arrested, and five fans required hospitalization.
The attacks on Israeli supporters in Amsterdam have shaken both local and international observers, striking a nerve in a city with a significant Jewish population and a painful history. Amsterdam has long symbolized tolerance and refuge, a place where Jews have sought safety from the horrors of persecution. Mayor Halsema condemned the violence as a “very dark moment for the city,” while Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof expressed shame, calling the assaults a “terrible antisemitic attack.” The Dutch government has since intensified security at Jewish institutions, reflecting an urgent need to protect vulnerable communities from the growing specter of hate.
Yet, the gravity of this violence goes beyond just one city or nation. The attacks on Israeli fans in Amsterdam come at a time when antisemitism is experiencing a resurgence across Europe, fueled by heightened tensions from the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Just over a year since the October 2023 terrorist attacks in Israel, antisemitic incidents have spiked worldwide as political polarization and ideological battles increasingly target Jewish communities under the guise of criticism of Israel.
The timing and nature of the attacks in Amsterdam evoke chilling historical parallels, particularly with Kristallnacht, the "Night of Broken Glass," which took place in Nazi Germany 86 years ago. This infamous event marked a turning point in Nazi antisemitism, unleashing waves of destruction and violence against Jewish businesses, synagogues, and homes. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu drew this comparison explicitly, warning that the attacks in Amsterdam “echo dark moments in history when Jews were persecuted on European soil.” Israeli President Isaac Herzog also described the events as a “pogrom,” bringing to mind the violent assaults on Jewish communities in Eastern Europe.
By referencing Kristallnacht, Netanyahu and Herzog are not only recalling the trauma of the past but are also issuing a dire warning about the present: antisemitism, left unchecked, can metastasize into a powerful and dangerous force. Their words resonate deeply, reminding the world that antisemitic violence is not an isolated anomaly but part of a cyclical pattern of hatred that has plagued Jewish communities for centuries.
The attacks in Amsterdam are symptomatic of a larger problem—a Europe increasingly divided along cultural, religious, and political lines. As the far-right and far-left each push their narratives, antisemitism often finds itself entangled in broader ideological battles. The Dutch far-right politician Geert Wilders, a strong supporter of Israel, denounced the attacks as a “Jew hunt” and blamed the violence on “multicultural scum.” His remarks reveal a dangerous polarization within Dutch society, where antisemitism and ethnic tensions are used to fuel political agendas.
On the left, criticism of Israel has sometimes blurred into antisemitic rhetoric, as seen in the political slogans and symbols adopted by some pro-Palestinian groups. This complex political landscape makes it difficult to address antisemitism comprehensively. It risks alienating moderate voices who could otherwise contribute to a balanced conversation around human rights and religious tolerance. Instead, the extremes on both sides create an environment where antisemitism can flourish, cloaked under layers of political grievance.
The international response to the Amsterdam attacks has been swift and unequivocal. President Joe Biden condemned the violence as “despicable,” calling for a united front against antisemitism. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated, “Antisemitism has no place in Europe,” reiterating the need for vigilance. Yet, while these statements reflect solidarity, the Jewish community and its allies call for more than words. As antisemitism becomes increasingly prevalent across social media, public spaces, and even sports arenas, many are urging for stricter enforcement of hate crime laws, increased security at Jewish institutions, and educational initiatives to counteract bigotry at its roots.
For the Jewish community in Amsterdam and throughout Europe, the recent events underscore a painful reality: that, despite decades of progress, the threat of antisemitism is ever-present. The attacks are a stark reminder that Jews in Europe still face existential risks simply for expressing their identity or supporting Israel.
The violence in Amsterdam forces European nations to confront their commitments to multiculturalism and tolerance. Amsterdam, in particular, prides itself on its historical openness and diverse cultural fabric. Yet, the attacks challenge the city’s—and, by extension, Europe’s—ability to provide a safe harbor for its Jewish citizens. Mayor Halsema’s words of “deep shame” reflect the disappointment of a city whose identity is rooted in ideals of refuge and acceptance. This incident compels Dutch and European leaders to re-evaluate their strategies for managing tensions in increasingly diverse societies and ensuring that the promise of safety extends to all communities.
The Amsterdam attacks are a wake-up call that condemning antisemitism is not enough. Concrete, systemic actions are needed to address the deep-seated prejudice that continues to manifest in violent ways. This involves holding perpetrators accountable and addressing the underlying social and political forces that allow such hatred to thrive. Policymakers must consider strategies to prevent such violence, from improved monitoring of hate speech on social media to collaboration between European nations on hate crime prevention.
In addition, educational reform aimed at fostering intercultural understanding and historical awareness is crucial. Schools, universities, and public institutions must comprehensively address antisemitism, drawing clear distinctions between legitimate criticism of political policies and harmful, dangerous stereotypes that perpetuate historical grievances. Such education should emphasize the human impact of antisemitism, helping young people understand the real, lived consequences of hate.
The antisemitic violence in Amsterdam, occurring just days before the anniversary of Kristallnacht, is a defining moment for Europe. It is a test of the continent’s commitment to fighting antisemitism and protecting vulnerable communities. As global leaders and citizens grapple with the implications, the question remains: will Europe take the necessary steps to prevent a return to the darkest chapters of its history?
References
CBS News. (2024, November 8). Amsterdam mayor says antisemitic attackers sought out Israeli soccer fans after Maccabi match. CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/amsterdam-israeli-soccer-fans-attacked-after-maccabi-match/
PBS NewsHour. (2024, November 8). Israeli soccer fans attacked in Amsterdam amid rising antisemitism across Europe [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L57iH0QHI1M
Tim Orr is a scholar of Islam, Evangelical minister, conference speaker, and interfaith consultant with over 30 years of experience in cross-cultural ministry. He holds six degrees, including a master’s in Islamic studies from the Islamic College in London. Tim taught Religious Studies for 15 years at Indiana University Columbus and is now a Congregations and Polarization Project research associate at the Center for the Study of Religion and American Culture at Indiana University Indianapolis. He has spoken at universities, including Oxford University, the University of Tehran, and mosques throughout the U.K. His research focuses on American Evangelicalism, Islamic antisemitism, and Islamic feminism, and he has published widely, including articles in Islamic peer-reviewed journals and three books.