An Israeli politician has issued a stark warning about rising antisemitism in Europe after more than 60 people were arrested following violent attacks on Israeli football fans in Amsterdam.
Speaking to GB News, Sharren Haskel said Europe “can no longer turn a blind eye” to antisemitism after Israeli supporters were “hunted” following Thursday’s Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Amsterdam police said they have launched a “major investigation into multiple violent incidents”, with five people taken to hospital with injuries.
Peter Holla, Amsterdam’s acting police chief, said fans were “wilfully attacked” in a series of coordinated assaults.
The violence involved people on scooters staging “hit-and-run” attacks, making it difficult for police to apprehend the perpetrators.
The unrest had been brewing in the days leading up to the match, with authorities having banned a planned pro-Palestinian demonstration near the stadium.
Dutch media reported that a Palestinian flag was torn from a building in the city centre on Wednesday. Large crowds of Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters were also reported to have chanted anti-Arab slogans before the game.
Israeli politician Sharren Haskel warned of rising antisemitism across Europe
Reuters / GB News
Haskel told GB News that antisemitic incidents were not confined to Europe, citing attacks in North America.
“People were killed in Canada where people were actually shooting towards schools and burning kids buses. You see a wave all around the world,” she said.
The politician blamed authorities for inaction, pointing to public demonstrations by extremist groups.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
- Iranian plot to assassinate Donald Trump before election day foiled by FBI
- Dutch King admits ‘we failed Jews like we did in WW2’ after football fans attacked by masked thugs
- ‘Emergency measures’ in place after Israeli football fans attacked by masked thugs
More than 60 people were arrested following violent attacks on Israeli football fans in Amsterdam
Reuters
“When they marched down those streets and they are calling to globalise the intifada, it means to bring that violence and hatred and rape and religious, radical Islamist war into your streets in London, into the streets of Paris and into the streets of Amsterdam,” she warned.
Haskel emphasised the organised nature of the Amsterdam attacks, describing “a strategically planned mob” who divided into small groups.
“They said they are hunting for Jews – people are violently racist, chasing down people who they identify as Jews.
“People are being thrown into the rivers, women being chased, trying to knock on doors and hiding in random flats to save their lives,” she told GB News.
Haskel said Britain needs to ‘wake up’ to the spread in antisemitism across Europe
GB News
The politician stressed the importance of Israel as a Jewish homeland, stating: “This is proof why Zionism is so necessary, the possibility for us to have a homeland where it’s safe for us.”
She added: “No one’s going to come to our rescue when we need to defend ourselves.”
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof said he followed reports of the violence “with horror” and called the incidents “completely unacceptable.”
Netanyahu’s office said he “views with utmost gravity the planned antisemitic attack against Israeli citizens” and demanded “vigorous and swift action” from Dutch authorities.
Amsterdam authorities have increased police patrols across the city. Security at Jewish institutions has also been enhanced following the attacks.