Last week, in Amsterdam, the attacks on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans sparked outrage and were widely condemned as manifestations of antisemitism. These incidents of violence cast a shadow over the city's reputation as a place of tolerance, leading to reflection throughout the Netherlands.
During a parliamentary debate on Wednesday, Geert Wilders, the far-right leader in the Netherlands, blamed "Moroccans" for the attacks on Israeli football fans in Amsterdam. Wilders stated that these individuals "want to destroy the Jews" and proposed the deportation of those convicted of such acts.
Amsterdam's mayor, Femke Halsema, reported that supporters from both teams participated in the riots, with Maccabi fans attacking a taxi and shouting anti-Arab slogans. According to Halsema, some individuals carried out ambush-style attacks against those they perceived as Jews.
After the match, Maccabi supporters, armed with sticks, caused destruction in the city, according to an official report issued by the Amsterdam authorities. Wilders advocated in parliament for revoking the Dutch passports of those convicted of participating in the violence and deporting them if they hold dual citizenship.
Despite the consensus in parliament on condemning antisemitism and the need to prosecute and punish those responsible for the attacks, several opposition lawmakers criticized Wilders for inciting discord instead of fostering unity and coexistence in Dutch society. Frans Timmermans, leader of the center-left bloc in parliament, agreed that Wilders' statements only contributed to deepening divisions in the country rather than seeking solutions and promoting harmony.