President Biden expressed strong disapproval of the recent assaults on Israeli soccer fans in Amsterdam, describing the events as “despicable.”
In a statement on social media platform X, he remarked, “The Antisemitic attacks on Israeli soccer fans in Amsterdam are despicable and echo dark moments in history when Jews were persecuted.”
Biden communicated with both Israeli and Dutch officials and noted his gratitude for the “Dutch authorities’ commitment to holding the perpetrators accountable.”
He concluded, “We must relentlessly fight Antisemitism, wherever it emerges.”
The Antisemitic attacks on Israeli soccer fans in Amsterdam are despicable and echo dark moments in history when Jews were persecuted.
We’ve been in touch with Israeli and Dutch officials and appreciate Dutch authorities’ commitment to holding the perpetrators accountable.
We…
— President Biden (@POTUS) November 8, 2024
This statement followed assaults against Israeli soccer fans by youths using scooters in hit-and-run incidents, which Amsterdam authorities linked to social media blasts to target Jewish people.
Mayor Femke Halsema reported that the people behind the attacks assaulted the fans before fleeing from police. Ten suspects were detained, with five individuals requiring medical treatment and another 20-30 sustaining minor injuries. The attacks occurred before the Europa League game between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax.
“Boys on scooters crossed the city in search of Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters,” Halsema commented. “It was a hit-and-run. Football fans were beaten and scared, after which the rioters quickly left again, fleeing the police force that was on the move en masse yesterday.”
Israeli President Isaac Herzog called for action against the violence and antisemitism, urging King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands to assist with the immediate evacuation of Israelis.
Willem-Alexander responded by saying, “We failed the Jewish community of the Netherlands during World War II, and last night we failed again.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu engaged with Ambassador Modi Ephraim, noting, “First of all, this puts us and them, the free countries and the Netherlands, in danger. This endangers not only us but also them.”
“But first of all, we need to deal with the danger to us,” he concluded. “We cannot accept this.”
