King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands expressed “deep horror and shock” over the attack on several Jews in Amsterdam Thursday night following a soccer game where Maccabi Tel Aviv played.
“We failed the Jewish community of the Netherlands during World War II, and last night we failed again,” Willem-Alexander said to Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
Willem-Alexander added that the Dutch government would ensure the safety of Jews and Israelis visiting the country and facilitate their safe return to Israel.
Herzog told the king that the attacks “echoed dark and grim times for Jewish people and must be equivocally condemned.”
According to victims of the attacks, organized gangs of Arab and Muslim rioters waited for Jews who were leaving the soccer game and attacked them in the street. Social media videos show attackers hunting, beating, and injuring Israelis while shouting “Free Palestine” and curses in Arabic.
The Embassy of Israel to the United States shared footage of the attack and provided phone numbers that Israelis in trouble could call.
Dutch Jews reportedly rescued victims and took them to the airport or safe places, according to Chabad media director Motti Seligson.
Israelis were instructed by the country’s foreign ministry to stay in their hotels to ensure their safety. At 9:00 a.m., the ministry told traveling Israelis it was safe to go to the airport, but advised them to avoid displaying Jewish and Israeli symbols, the Times of Israel reported. Israelis were advised to go back to Israel as soon as possible.
Five injured people were taken to the hospital and 62 people have been arrested, according to Amsterdam police. Israeli officials claim 10 Israelis were injured.
The attack occurred just days before the 86th anniversary of the Kristallnacht, a pogrom carried out by Nazis in Germany on November 9, 1938, during which Jewish-owned stores, businesses, and synagogues were vandalized.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office requested increased security for the Dutch Jewish community.
“The harsh pictures of the assault on our citizens in Amsterdam will not be overlooked,” Netanyahu’s office stated. “Prime Minister Netanyahu views the horrifying incident with utmost gravity and demands that the Dutch government and security forces take vigorous and swift action against the rioters, and ensure the safety of our citizens.”
Israeli foreign minister Gideon Sa’ar reportedly flew to the Netherlands to meet with Dutch officials at Netanyahu’s request.
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof said he spoke with Netanyahu on Friday and stressed that perpetrators will be identified and prosecuted.
Israeli civilians who lost their passports will be permitted to board planes with photocopies or transit documents, the Jerusalem Post reported. During the attack, unconfirmed images appeared on social media claiming to show Israeli passports that were stolen during the attack.
Israeli ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon and many others have called the attack a “pogrom.”
“‘Globalize the intifada’ was not just a slogan for these terrorist supporters,” Dannon told Fox News. “I urge the Dutch government to help all Israelis and Jewish people immediately. It’s time to respond with force against these barbaric rioters.”
Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett took to X, claiming “Arabs are rampaging around and brutally beating Israeli tourists.” He called on the Dutch authorities to take action, claiming that people were run over, beaten, and driven into a river.
Right-wing Netherlands political leader Geert Wilders also described the attack as a pogrom on X.
“We have become the Gaza of Europe,” Wilders posted. “Muslims with Palestinian flags hunting down Jews. I will NOT accept that. NEVER. The authorities will be held accountable for their failure to protect the Israeli citizens. Never again.”
