Israel’s description of violence between Amsterdam residents and Maccabi fans last year sparked a debate over anti-Islam and immigration issues.
Violence between Maccabi Tel Aviv fans and Amsterdam residents in November 2024 sparked heated debate throughout the Netherlands. What began as street clashes quickly escalated as Israeli officials called the attacks “anti-Semitic” and drew comparisons to the Holocaust.
The incident became a rallying point for several groups. Dutch Zionist organizations supported Israel’s narrative, while others used the events to push anti-immigration views. Some questioned whether a football matchup was being manipulated for political purposes.
Al Jazeera correspondent Step Vaessen speaks to all the parties involved and reveals how different sides shaped the story. Through interviews with football fans, residents and experts, he reveals how one night of violence exposed deeper cultural tensions and reshaped community relations in polarized Dutch society.
