Pogrom Controversy
Historical Context
The streets of Amsterdam were once again gripped by unrest and violence, as a UEFA Europa League match between Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv and Dutch giants AFC Ajax descended into chaos. The events of November 7th, 2024 have since sparked a fiery debate, pitting narratives of antisemitism against allegations of anti-Arab racism.
It’s a clash that has deep roots, both in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the broader social tensions simmering within Europe. The spectre of the Kristallnacht, the notorious Nazi pogrom against Jews, has been invoked repeatedly, casting a long shadow over the proceedings. Yet, as the dust settles, a more nuanced picture emerges – one where hooligan provocation, political opportunism, and the weaponization of trauma converge to create a combustible situation.
Sociopolitical Tensions
The backdrop to this controversy is the escalating violence in the Israel-Palestine conflict, which has sent shockwaves across the globe. In the wake of the 2023 war between Israel and Hamas, tensions have reached a fever pitch, with emotions running high on both sides. The presence of Maccabi Tel Aviv, a club with a notorious ultras group known for their racist chants and violent behavior, only served to heighten the volatile atmosphere.
As the Israeli fans arrived in Amsterdam, they wasted little time in stoking the flames, tearing down Palestinian solidarity flags and chanting slogans like “Death to Arabs.” This brazen display of provocation was met with growing anger from local residents, many of whom were frustrated by the ongoing violence in Gaza and the perceived lack of accountability for Israel’s actions.
Allegations and Accusations
In the aftermath of the clashes, a familiar pattern emerged. Mainstream media outlets, amplified by Israeli and right-wing Dutch politicians, quickly framed the events as a “pogrom” – a premeditated, antisemitic attack on Jewish individuals. This narrative, however, conveniently glossed over the initial provocations by the Maccabi fans, painting them as innocent victims.
Mayor Femke Halsema’s initial characterization of the attacks as “antisemitic hit-and-run squads” lent credence to this perspective, though she later backtracked, regretting the use of the term “pogrom” and condemning its weaponization against Dutch Muslims and Moroccans. The Dutch government, led by Prime Minister Dick Schoof, also joined the chorus, expressing “horror” at the “antisemitic attacks” and vowing to hold the perpetrators accountable.
Chaos and Unrest
Protests and Demonstrations
In the run-up to the match, tensions were palpable. Pro-Palestinian activists had expressed concerns about the arrival of the Israeli fans, warning of the potential for violence. As the Maccabi supporters gathered in the city, they wasted no time in unleashing their hostility, tearing down Palestinian flags and engaging in confrontations with local taxi drivers.
The situation escalated further as the match day approached. While the authorities had initially downplayed the risk, pro-Palestinian demonstrators attempted to reach the stadium, despite a heightened security presence and a ban on protests. The Maccabi ultras, known for their aggressive behavior, also converged on the city centre, engaging in clashes with the police and chanting inflammatory slogans.
Clashes with Authorities
The events reached a crescendo in the aftermath of the match, as groups of local residents, fueled by frustration over the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the provocations of the Maccabi fans, took matters into their own hands. Scenes of chaos unfolded, with reports of beatings, attempted stabbings, and even individuals being thrown into canals.
The police, who had been criticized for their apparent inaction earlier in the day, struggled to maintain control of the situation. Dozens of arrests were made, but the damage had already been done, with several Israelis sustaining injuries and requiring medical attention.
Impact on the Community
The ripple effects of the unrest continued to be felt in the days that followed. Bomb threats were made against synagogues, and calls to attack mosques circulated online, further exacerbating the already tense atmosphere. The Kristallnacht commemoration in Amsterdam was even cancelled due to concerns over the “violent” Maccabi supporters and the city’s “inadequate response.”
The incident has also left the local Jewish community in a state of unease, with many expressing concerns about their own safety. Jelle Zijlstra, a Jewish community organizer in Amsterdam, called for nuance in the aftermath, condemning both the antisemitic attacks and the actions of the Maccabi “hooligans.”
Weaponization of Chaos
Propaganda and Narratives
In the wake of the unrest, a battle of narratives has emerged, with both sides attempting to frame the events to suit their respective agendas. The Israeli government and its allies in the Dutch right-wing have been quick to seize the opportunity, casting the incidents as a “pogrom” targeting Jews and evoking the horrors of the past.
This framing has been amplified by media outlets, with some going so far as to misrepresent the events, erroneously portraying the Maccabi fans as victims of an antisemitic mob. The New York Times and other prominent news organizations were forced to issue corrections after their initial coverage was found to be inaccurate and skewed.
Influencing Public Perception
The weaponization of the chaos in Amsterdam extends far beyond the immediate events. Political opportunists, such as the far-right politician Geert Wilders, have seized the opportunity to stoke fears and advance their own agendas. Wilders, known for his staunch pro-Israel stance and anti-Muslim rhetoric, has called for the deportation of “Moroccans” and the stripping of citizenship from dual nationals accused of “antisemitism.”
This narrative, which conflates anti-Zionism with antisemitism, serves to undermine legitimate criticism of Israel’s policies and actions, while simultaneously fueling Islamophobia and xenophobia within Dutch society. The exploitation of Jewish trauma to further a divisive political agenda has drawn widespread condemnation, with many recognizing the danger of such a strategy.
Escalating Tensions
The fallout from the Amsterdam incidents has the potential to reverberate far beyond the Netherlands. In the lead-up to a France-Israel match at the Stade de France in Paris, French authorities mobilized over 4,000 law enforcement officers, underscoring the heightened security concerns.
This escalation of tensions, driven by the weaponization of the chaos, risks further polarizing communities and eroding the foundations of unity and understanding. As the world grapples with the aftermath of the Israel-Hamas war, the events in Amsterdam serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of social cohesion and the dangers of allowing political opportunism to overshadow the pursuit of justice and reconciliation.
Aftermath and Responses
Official Investigations
In the days following the unrest, the City of Amsterdam took steps to address the situation, with Mayor Halsema, the Chief Prosecutor, and the Police Chief publishing a joint report. The report condemned the violence against all minority groups, acknowledging the “toxic combination of antisemitism, hooliganism, and anger about the conflicts in Palestine and Israel” that had fueled the chaos.
The report also revealed that the city had not received any prior warning from the Dutch counterterrorism unit, raising questions about the preparedness of the authorities. This finding, coupled with Halsema’s admission that she had been unaware of the Maccabi fans’ history of racist behavior, has prompted calls for an independent inquiry to uncover the full extent of the failures and lessons learned.
Community Reactions
The aftermath of the Amsterdam incidents has been marked by a range of reactions from the local community and beyond. While the Israeli government and its allies have sought to capitalize on the events, portraying them as a targeted attack on Jews, others have pushed back against this narrative, highlighting the role of hooligan provocation and the exploitation of trauma for political gain.
Within the Dutch Jewish community, there are concerns about their own safety, with some expressing a sense of being treated as “representatives of Israel.” The Palestinian community, meanwhile, has condemned the anti-Arab racism and the desecration of their symbols, calling for the protection of Palestinians and Arabs in European cities.
Lessons and Implications
The chaos in Amsterdam serves as a stark reminder of the complex interplay between sports, politics, and social tensions. The presence of a club like Maccabi Tel Aviv, with its notorious ultras group, in a UEFA competition raises questions about the governance and accountability within the realm of international football.
Moreover, the events highlight the need for a more nuanced understanding of the dynamics at play, one that recognizes the role of hooligan provocation, the weaponization of trauma, and the danger of allowing political opportunism to overshadow the pursuit of justice and reconciliation. As the world grapples with the aftermath of the Israel-Hamas war, the Amsterdam incidents stand as a cautionary tale, underscoring the fragility of social cohesion and the importance of addressing the underlying issues that fuel such conflicts.
The fallout from the Amsterdam incidents serves as a sobering reminder that the weaponization of chaos can have far-reaching consequences, not only in the immediate aftermath but also in the broader sociopolitical landscape. As the dust settles, it is incumbent upon policymakers, community leaders, and the media to navigate these treacherous waters with empathy, nuance, and a commitment to the principles of justice and reconciliation.
