Israeli Soccer Fans Clash with Protesters in Amsterdam

A Europa League soccer match between the Dutch team, Ajax, and the Israeli team of Maccabi Tel Aviv grabbed more drama off the field than on it as violent clashes erupted in the city of Amsterdam, in the Netherlands, since November 6th..The violence began on Wednesday as Israeli fans of Maccabi marched with face coverings to tear down a Palestinian flag hoisted near the stadium, located at the Anton de Komplein square, allegedly in response to anti-Semitic social media posts that had been posted in the prior hours. They shouted pro-Israeli and anti-Palestinian chants, praising the actions of the IDF in Gaza and screaming "f**k the Arabs", drawing the attention of pro-Palestine crowds that would begin to gather.Hundreds of protesters gathered to block the arrival of the Maccabi team at the stadium, resulting in violent clashes between the Israeli fans and protesters. A massive police presence was deployed to the streets, with officers desperately trying to keep the two sides apart.Rumors spread that Israeli fans screaming slogans about slain Palestinians were escorted by police, as well as individuals on scooters and bikes launching fireworks towards Israeli fans headed to the stadium. A total of 1200 police officers were deployed by Dutch authorities, but they seemed to be unable to stop the worst of the violence.Despite the match ending on Thursday, violence has persisted for nearly a week later. On Monday, November 11th, pro-Palestine protesters set a streetcar on fire with fireworks. Police arrested three individuals, and only one person was injured, but the vehicle was lost.The Amsterdam government had declared a state of emergency over the weekend, banning all large protests, but the violence had continued. Face coverings were barred as well, but that didn't stop individuals showing up in balaclavas to clash with police.Amsterdam's mayor, Femke Halsema, defended her decision to crackdown on protests, calling it an outburst of anti-Semitism mixed with outrage over the conflict in the Middle East. She confirmed that the government had considered canceling the match but lacked legal grounds to do so. She claimed that Telegram channels had been found with plans to hunt for Jews, calling them reprehensible. Amsterdam police confirmed that Jewish places of worship in the city would be granted extra security for the duration of the crisis. Upwards of 60 people were arrested, 10 of whom were Israeli nationals.Prominent Dutch far-right politician Geert Wilders blamed the violence on "open borders" and called for an emergency session of parliament to discuss the crisis, currently scheduled for Wednesday, November 13th.Prime Minister Dick Schoof also condemned the violence, calling it anti-Semitism and pledging to bring the protesters to justice. It was notable as the initial violence on Thursday coincided with the 1938 Kristallnacht program in Nazi Germany.