Amsterdam bans demos after ‘antisemitic squads’ attack Israeli soccer fans

Amsterdam has banned demonstrations for three days after overnight attacks on Israeli soccer supporters by what the mayor called “antisemitic hit-and-run squads,” and Israel said it would fly many fans home.

Mayor Femke Halsema says Maccabi fans had been “attacked, abused and pelted with fireworks” around the city, and that riot police intervened to protect them and escort them to hotels. At least five people were treated in hospital.

Amsterdam banned demonstrations through the weekend and gave police emergency stop-and-search powers in response to unrest that exposed deep anger over the Gaza-Israel conflict.

Halsema says city police had been taken by surprise after security services failed to flag the match against Ajax Amsterdam, traditionally identified as a Jewish club, as high risk. “Antisemitic hit-and-run squads” had managed to evade a force of around 200 officers, she said.

Security has been tightened in the city, where a service was planned at a Jewish monument on Saturday. On Thursday, hundreds had gathered to remember Kristallnacht, the Nazi pogrom against Jews across Germany on November 9-10, 1938.