November 2024 Amsterdam riots

In November 2024, there were riots in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, before and after a football match between AFC Ajax (from Amsterdam, the Netherlands) and Maccabi Tel Aviv (from Tel Aviv, Israel). The violence led to 62 arrests. 5 people were hospitalized, while another 20–30 people were treated for minor injuries.

On November 6, some Maccabi Tel Aviv fans stole and burned Palestinians flags (which were used as a display of solidarity), attacked and destroyed a taxi and chanted anti-Arab slogans and insults. Maccabi fans tried to kick down the doors of houses that displayed a Palestinian flag, and threatened to kill the inhabitants.

The Maccabi Tel Aviv fans chanted: Why is there no school in Gaza? There are no children left there.

At the match there was a minute of silence for the victims of a flood in the Valencia region of Spain, which caused 219 deaths, during which the Maccabi fans chanted and set off fireworks.

After Ajax won the match 5-0, the violence got worse. Groups organised through social media platforms and messaging apps to attack the Maccabi supporters.

After the match, Maccabi fans were ambushed and assaulted across the city centre. Local people, many on scooters, carried out what officials called "hit and run" attacks on Maccabi supporters across different parts of the city.

Some shared antisemitic content on WhatsApp and posted live updates of the location of the Maccabi fans. Riot police protected the Maccabi fans and escorted them to hotels.

On the 11th of November a police car was set alight and an empty tram was attacked with fireworks and had its windows smashed on the '40-'45 Square in Amsterdam. Riot police arrested people and cleared the square. Police said it is unclear if that was related to the earlier unrest.

In response to the violence, Amsterdam officials banned demonstrations for 3 days. Security at some buildings used by Jewish people was increased. Police temporarily received extra powers to stop and search people.

In December 2024 five men received sentences ranging from 100 hours of community service to 6 months in prison for public violence and aiding and abetting assault. In 2025, prosecutors had identified 122 people suspected of being involved in the violence, including Israelis.  In March 2025, four more men were convicted for helping organize the violence and group defamation, the prison sentences ranged from 12 weeks to 1 month.

The Public Prosecutor's Office demanded the highest sentence for the 22-year-old Palestinian suspect Mahmoud A. He is suspected of attempted manslaughter. His case has not yet been heard, it was delayed because of a psychological evaluation.

Benjamin Netanyahu said he would send 2 planes to evacuate the Maccabi fans, but didn't.

Amsterdam mayor Femke Halsema initially said the incident reminded her of pogroms against Jews in Europe. Halsema later said she regretted her use of the word "pogrom" and condemned the use of the word to attack Dutch Muslims.

References

Category:2020s in the Netherlands