Biden condemns 'despicable' attacks on Israeli soccer fans in Amsterdam
President Biden condemned the recent attacks on Israeli soccer fans in Amsterdam Friday, calling the incident "despicable."
“The Antisemitic attacks on Israeli soccer fans in Amsterdam are despicable and echo dark moments in history when Jews were persecuted,” Biden wrote in a statement shared on social platform X.
The president said he has been in touch with Israeli and Dutch officials and that he appreciates “Dutch authorities’ commitment to holding the perpetrators accountable.”
“We must relentlessly fight Antisemitism, wherever it emerges,” Biden added.
His statement comes a day after the Israeli soccer fans were assaulted by young people in hit-and-run scooter attacks. Dutch authorities said the incident was likely a result of calls on social media to attack Jewish people.
Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema said the attackers kicked and punched Israeli soccer fans before running away from police. Ten suspects were still in custody, five people were treated with injuries while another 20-30 people were left with light injuries. The incident occurred prior to the Europa League match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax.
Following the attacks, Israeli President Isaac Herzog demanded action against the violence and antisemitism. He also requested assistance from King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands in the immediate evacuation of Israelis from the city, according to a presidential spokesperson.
“We failed the Jewish community of the Netherlands during World War II, and last night we failed again,” Willem-Alexander said in response.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with his ambassador to the Netherlands, Modi Ephraim, following the incident, according to officials.
“First of all, this puts us and them, the free countries and the Netherlands, in danger. This endangers not only us but also them," Netanyahu said of the attacks. "But first of all, we need to deal with the danger to us."
"We cannot accept this," he added.
U.S. ambassador to Israel Jack Lew also condemned the attacks.
“We condemn the reprehensible attacks against Israelis in Amsterdam and offer support for the injured and wishes for full recovery,” Lew said. “We stand with the Dutch Prime Minister, Israel, and all who condemn hateful antisemitic violence.”