Dutch far-right leader Geert Wilders on Wednesday blamed "Moroccans" for recent violent attacks targeting Israeli soccer fans in Amsterdam, stating that they "want to destroy Jews."
He proposed that those convicted of involvement in the attacks, if holding dual nationality, should be stripped of their Dutch citizenship and deported.
The violence erupted around a soccer match between Ajax Amsterdam and Maccabi Tel Aviv, where fans clashed before and after the game.
Tensions Rise Amid Reports of Antisemitism
Mayor Femke Halsema reported incidents of anti-Jewish "hit-and-run" attacks carried out by individuals who targeted people they believed were Jewish.
Fans from both sides were involved in unrest according to a 12-page report from Amsterdam authorities, which said Maccabi supporters were seen "destroying things." There were also "rioters, moving in small groups, by foot, scooter or car, quickly attacking Maccabi fans before disappearing," the report said.
Five people were hospitalized, though police made no arrests for post-match violence. During a debate, opposition lawmakers condemned Wilders' statements, arguing that his remarks would only stoke division.
Rob Jetten of the centrist D66 party accused Wilders of "throwing oil on the fire" rather than fostering societal unity, while Frans Timmermans, leader of the largest center-left parliamentary bloc, criticized Wilders for deepening divisions.
Protesters Gather Despite Ban
In a related development, hundreds of supporters of the Palestinian cause gathered in Amsterdam's Dam Square on Wednesday night, despite a citywide ban on such protests.
The crowd, faced by a significant police presence including officers on horseback, was eventually dispersed after a number were detained after refusing to leave.
This protest underscores the polarized climate in Amsterdam, where the violence associated with the soccer match has marred the city's long-standing reputation as a center of tolerance.
Wilders' remarks came shortly after Amsterdam's commemoration of Kristallnacht, the 1938 Nazi pogrom, which he referenced in his criticism, alleging that "we saw Muslims hunting Jews on the streets of Amsterdam."
Reactions Within the Jewish Community
Among those disturbed by Wilders' rhetoric is Itay Garmy, a Jewish Amsterdam City Council member, who argued that such inflammatory comments could further isolate the Jewish community.
He urged politicians to avoid using Jewish security concerns for political leverage. "Don't use my security or my suffering or my fear as a Jew to create political gains for yourself," Garmy said, challenging Wilders to consider the influence of his words on Dutch society.
Meanwhile, Wilders remains a vocal supporter of Israel and has faced death threats from Islamic extremists for over two decades.
Wilders' comments have provoked debate over how best to address antisemitism, with many calling for policies that unite rather than divide Dutch society.
His proposal to deport dual nationals involved in the violence has sparked significant controversy, underscoring the delicate balance between security and social cohesion in the Netherlands.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press
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