Several Israelis were wounded in a series of violent attacks following a soccer match in Amsterdam on Thursday night, which Dutch authorities believe were the result of a premeditated assault against Jews.
According to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, the attacks were organized in advance through a Telegram group, where perpetrators planned a so-called “Jew hunt” aimed at Maccabi Tel Aviv fans and Jewish individuals in the city.
The violence unfolded after a match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and an Amsterdam-based team, and while it was initially expected that tensions would rise during the game, the situation escalated dramatically afterward.
Riotous groups of individuals, some traveling from as far as outside Amsterdam, targeted Israeli fans. The attackers, many of whom were reportedly connected via Telegram and other messaging apps, were allegedly informed of the whereabouts of their targets.
On Wednesday evening, similar disturbances were reported in Amsterdam’s city center. However, the most severe incidents occurred the following night, when groups of rioters, including taxi drivers, set out to attack Israelis.
The attackers used a combination of scooters to conduct hit-and-run assaults on their targets, while some passengers in taxis were also implicated in the violence.
The De Telegraaf report highlighted a particularly shocking incident in which an Israeli individual was pushed into one of Amsterdam’s canals, while others sought refuge at the Holland Casino, a major entertainment venue in the city.
An internal investigation by the casino revealed that a hired security guard, who was working at the time, was active in one of the Telegram groups where attackers coordinated their plans. The security guard has since been fired from his post, according to the casino.
After the Thursday night assaults, individuals in the Telegram group reportedly discussed the possibility of launching further attacks, raising fears of continued violence.
While the police had deployed 800 officers to the city, the De Telegraaf reported that only around 200 officers were on the streets during the peak of the violence, leaving some areas vulnerable to the rioters’ actions.
The attacks have shocked many, including officials from taxi service Uber, who condemned the antisemitic violence. Uber has expressed its willingness to assist local authorities in identifying and apprehending those responsible for the attacks.
According to De Telegraaf, there are reports that addresses of Jewish individuals were circulated in WhatsApp groups, enabling drivers to target them more effectively.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the incidents, with Dutch police working to track down those responsible.
The use of social media and messaging apps in organizing the attacks has raised concerns over the growing role of digital platforms in coordinating violent behavior.
In the wake of the violence, the Dutch government has faced increased pressure to address the rise of antisemitism in the country, particularly among certain youth groups.
The investigation into the events is ongoing, with police urging any witnesses or victims to come forward and assist in the effort to bring the perpetrators to justice.