The king of the Netherlands has said his nation failed the Jewish community as it did "during the Second World War" after Israeli football fans were attacked in Amsterdam.
Speaking to Isaac Herzog, Israel’s president, King WillemAlexander expressed “deep horror and shock”. Mr Herzog quoted him as saying: “We failed the Jewish community of the Netherlands during the Second World War” – a reference to Nazi occupation – “and last night we failed again”.
Willem-Alexander also said: “We cannot turn a blind eye to antisemitic behaviour in our streets” – adding that history “has taught us how intimidation goes from bad to worse, with horrific consequences”.
“Jews must feel safe in the Netherlands, everywhere and at all times. We put our arms around them and will not let them go,” he said.
Amsterdam’s mayor condemned the “hit and run attacks” on Israeli football fans as an “explosion of antisemitism” and a “dark day”.
A major investigation has been ordered after up to 30 Maccabi Tel Aviv fans were injured, including five who were taken to hospital, in attacks following the club’s Europa League match with Ajax on Thursday night. At least 62 people were arrested by police, with 10 still in custody yesterday afternoon.
Earlier yesterday Maccabi fans were filmed tearing down Palestinian flags in the city centre while chanting “death to Arabs”.
At a press conference, mayor Femke Halsema said: “Amsterdam is looking back on a black night and today is still a dark day. Antisemitic, hateful rioters and criminals yesterday and yesterday night have attacked Jewish visitors to our city.”
She added: “Boys on scooters were driving through the town looking for Maccabi supporters. It was hit and run. Football fans were attacked and then rioters took off again, running away from the police forces who were there in great numbers.”
Bu hikaye The Independent dergisinin November 09, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye The Independent dergisinin November 09, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
'Last thing I saw was that half of Syria was liberated'
Former Olympic swimmer Yusra Mardini speaks candidly to Jack Rathborn about her country's future after the dramatic removal of the dictator Bashar al-Assad earlier this month
The 30 medal sports legend you may not have heard of
A Paralympic veteran, Sarah Storey tells Luke Baker why we struggle to celebrate para-athletes doing incredible things
Haaland's spot-kick sums up limp and lifeless City
So, no Christmas miracle for the man christened Josep. Instead, his new normal continued.
Gakpo emerges as Reds' latest game-changing star
Liverpool are accustomed to singing about walking through the storm.
Labour won't kill the British pub - but some will still die
The institution is safe for the time being but Budget tax hikes will affect those that are already struggling
China greenlight 'world's biggest' hydro dam in Tibet.despite flooding concerns
China has approved the construction of the world's largest hydropower dam on the eastern rim of the Tibetan plateau despite protests over its ecological impact and concerns it could affect millions of people downstream in India and Bangladesh.
Asia marks 20 years since.tragic Boxing Day tsunami
One of world's worst natural disasters claimed 228.000 lives
Israel confirms attacks on Houthi targets in Yemen
Israel's military has confirmed that it struck multiple targets linked to the Iran-aligned Houthi movement in Yemen yesterday, including Sanaa International Airport and three ports along the western coast.
Syria's rebels planned years ahead for life after Assad
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham commanders talk to Bel Trew about the planning and military innovations that brought them victory
Moscow 'foiled' multiple Ukraine assassination plots
Russia has claimed it has foiled several Ukrainian plots to assassinate senior officers and their families using bombs disguised as power banks or document folders.
