A demonstration in support of Israel was held last night in Amsterdam on Dam Square, attracting hundreds of participants. This event comes after Israeli fans of the Maccabi Tel Aviv football club were attacked by an anti-Israel crowd. At the demonstration, protesters sang the song “Golden Jerusalem” and also displayed Israeli flags.
Meanwhile, the EuroLeague basketball match between Italian club Virtus (Bologna) and Israeli club Maccabi (Tel Aviv) ended without incident, although Israeli fans were absent from the stands. Following recent attacks on fans in Amsterdam, Israeli authorities advised citizens to refrain from attending public events abroad, leading to a lack of support for the team at the match.
Amsterdam, one day after the pogrom.
Many thanks to everyone who came to show solidarity with Israel.#NeverMoreIsNow
— Israel ישראל (@Israel) November 9, 2024
Before the match, Bologna’s police chief tightened security and provided the Israeli team with a special escort. The match ended with a Virtus victory 84-77 and no public order violations were recorded.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the rise of anti-Semitism in Europe and emphasized the need to ensure the safety of Jewish citizens. Meloni called attacks like those in Amsterdam unacceptable and said Italy was committed to the safety of its Jewish citizens.
