Israel police gather testimonies from pogrom witnesses, victims
The Israel Police have met with more than 230 victims of a Thursday pogrom in Amsterdam.
The Israel Police have met with over 170 witnesses and more than 230 victims of Thursday night's pogrom upon their return to Israel, the police announced in a Saturday statement.
In partnership with the Dutch Police, the Israel Police has gathered videos and testimonies from witnesses and victims returning home from Amsterdam. The Dutch government is currently investigating if the assaults were antisemitically motivated and previously coordinated, as well as if it had received any prior warnings from the Israeli government.
Maccabi Tel Aviv lost 5-0 to Ajax in a Europa League game in Amsterdam Thursday night. After the match, Maccabi fans reported being ambushed by rioters as they were walking to their hotel rooms in various parts of the city.
Videos showed attackers beating Maccabi fans, chasing them with knives, and attempting to run them over with cars.
There were reports of rioters stealing passports from victims and attempting to kidnap one person, according to Maariv.
'Completely unacceptable antisemitic attacks on Israelis'
At least five people were injured, and 62 were arrested on Thursday night. Ten suspects remain in police custody
Dutch and Israeli politicians alike have called the unrest antisemitic and are demanding further investigation into the events.
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof called the events "completely unacceptable antisemitic attacks on Israelis."
Prime Minister Benajamin Netanyahu has called for "vigorous and swift action against the rioters." Schoof has promised maximum efforts to find suspects.
Amsterdam banned protests over the weekend and gave police stop-and-search powers.
Videos before the match also showed Maccabi fans singing anti-Arab soccer chants and ripping down Palestinian flags.
Israel has facilitated nine flights with nationals returning home, but more Israelis are still in the Netherlands. The National Security Council has advised any remaining nationals to exercise caution and avoid any visibly Israeli signals when moving about Amsterdam.
The police encourage anyone with more information about the pogrom to inform them either through an online complaint or in person at any Israel Police station.
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