On November 7, a soccer match between Ajax of Amsterdam and Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv sparked violence in the Dutch capital. According to NBC news reports, there were “rioters who actively sought out Israeli supporters to attack and assault them.”
According to NBC news, investigators are still looking into what happened during the game and after the game. There is now an emergency decree in effect until further notice, banning all protests in the city.
Police also kept watch on multiple threatening and aggressive messages spread on social media. Pro-palestinian graffiti was sprayed around the vicinity sending messages that many people found offensive. Others present around the city were affected by this violence. ApNews reported five people are currently hospitalized, 20-30 individuals suffered from minor injuries, 62 suspects were arrested, and 10 are being held in custody.
Ryan Gurtman, a freshman at Ramapo High School, was visiting Amsterdam while the riots occurred. He stated, “I was nervous at first right after the violence happened, but because it dissolved quickly, I was not too worried. The violence was not necessary and could have easily been avoided.” Others agree and think this fighting is not necessary and does not solve any problems around the issues that are already going on with Palestine and Israel. These riots are not at all productive and only evoke more trouble.
History teacher at Ramapo High School, Mr. Nangle, heard about the violence going on during this soccer game. He states, “I heard about this violence that was occurring, and I feel sympathy for what has happened and I hope all of the problems will get resolved.”
This situation is very unfortunate and many people are sending hopes and prayers for the families who got hurt from this outbreak.
