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Israeli soccer fans were attacked in Amsterdam. The violence was condemned as antisemitic

apnews.com Israeli soccer fans were attacked in Amsterdam. The violence was condemned as antisemitic

Dutch authorities say people on scooters attacked Israeli fans overnight after a soccer game in Amsterdam apparently fueled by calls to target Jewish people spread online.

Israeli soccer fans were attacked in Amsterdam. The violence was condemned as antisemitic

Israeli fans were assaulted after a soccer game in Amsterdam by hordes of young people apparently riled up by calls on social media to target Jewish people, Dutch authorities said Friday. Five people were treated for injuries at hospitals and dozens were arrested.

Ahead of the game, large crowds of supporters of the Israeli team could be seen on video chanting anti-Arab slogans as they headed to the stadium, escorted by police.

“Let the IDF win, and (expletive) the Arabs,” the fans chanted, using the acronym of the Israeli military, as they shook their fists. It also showed police pushing several pro-Palestinian protesters away from a Maccabi fan gathering in a square earlier in the day.

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  • The claims are from Dutch authorities, not a random "someone," and not solely from Israeli authorities. From the Guardian's coverage:

    The mayor of Amsterdam, Femke Halsema, described an “outburst” of antisemitism with “hit and run” attacks on the visiting supporters.

    “Men on scooters crisscrossed the city looking for Israeli football fans. It was a hit and run. I can easily understand that this brings back memories of pogroms,” Halsema said. “Our city has been deeply damaged. Jewish culture has been deeply threatened. This is an outburst of antisemitism that I hope to never see again.”

    . . .

    Theodoor van Boven, who owns the Condomerie, near Dam Square on the Warmoesstraat, said he saw gangs apparently hunting and chasing opposing fans. “What we saw here in the street in the evening and at night were groups of often Dutch groups who were out hunting, who were looking for Maccabi fans. They were on foot in groups, on scooters, riding round looking, and telephoning each other – it [seemed to be] organised.”

    And, yes, "Jew hunts" are racist even if particular Jews who end up being hunted are themselves racist assholes.

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