Widespread Criticism of Attack on Israeli Citizens in Amsterdam

Organized and widespread attacks by a group of assailants against supporters of the Tel Aviv football team Maccabi in Amsterdam, Netherlands, have drawn significant criticism. The attacks on Thursday night, November 8, have been widely condemned by Israeli and Dutch officials and politicians as an act of 'anti-Semitism.' The United States: Reminiscent of a classic genocide. In this context, Deborah Lipstadt, the U.S. Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism, condemned the attacks. Ms. Lipstadt wrote on social media platform 'X': 'I am horrified by the attacks tonight in Amsterdam, which are terrifyingly reminiscent of a classic genocide. I am also deeply troubled by how long the reported attacks lasted, and I urge the government to conduct a thorough investigation into the security forces' intervention and how these hateful attacks occurred.' She noted: 'This event occurred two days before the bitter anniversary of Kristallnacht in 1938, when the Nazis began the genocide of Jews across Germany.' Germany: It was shameful. Annalena Baerbock, the German Foreign Minister, also expressed shock and disgust regarding the attack on Israeli citizens, writing on social media: 'The images from Amsterdam are horrifying and deeply shameful for us in Europe.' She emphasized that the spread of such violence against Jews breaks all boundaries and that Jews must be able to feel safe in Europe. European Commission President: Anti-Semitism has no place in Europe. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, also condemned the attacks on supporters of the Israeli football team Maccabi. She condemned these 'unacceptable actions' on social media, stating: 'Anti-Semitism has no place in Europe, and we are determined to fight against any form of hatred.' The United Nations expressed concern. The UN Human Rights Council also expressed strong concern over the attack on Israeli football supporters in Amsterdam. Jeremy Lawrence, a spokesperson for the council, stated at a press conference in Geneva: 'We have seen these very concerning reports. We know that authorities have begun investigations into this incident.' Security measures in France. Bruno Retailleau, the French Minister of the Interior, stated that despite the violent attack on supporters of an Israeli football team in Amsterdam, the upcoming Nations League match involving an Israeli team will proceed as planned. He wrote on social media: 'France will not back down, as this would mean surrendering to violent threats and anti-Semitism.' In this context, it has been reported that the Paris police plan to deploy over 2,000 of their forces around the Stade de France to ensure security for the match next Thursday. The Ministry of the Interior and the Paris police did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for details on their security plans. Updates will follow. Attack on Israelis in Amsterdam; Police: Hostage situation possible. Attack on Israeli citizens in Amsterdam, Netherlands; U.S. condemned.