Dutch Far-Right Politician Blames “Moroccans” for Attacks on Israeli Fans, Sparks Outrage in Dutch Parliament
Dutch far-right leader Geert Wilders has ignited a firestorm of criticism after blaming “Moroccans” for attacks on Israeli soccer fans in Amsterdam last week, claiming they are driven by a desire to “destroy Jews,” The Associated Press reports.
Wilders, whose anti-immigration Party for Freedom (PVV) is now part of the ruling coalition, went on to advocate for deporting those convicted of involvement in the violence if they have dual nationality.
The attacks occurred before and after the Ajax Amsterdam vs. Maccabi Tel Aviv soccer match last week, with fans from both sides involved in unrest. Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema reported that some Maccabi fans engaged in anti-Arab chanting and attacks on a taxi, while others were targeted by “hit and run” attacks from individuals who believed them to be Jewish.
The violence sparked outrage and widespread condemnation, with many seeing it as an antisemitic act. Amsterdam police detained dozens of people, but no immediate arrests were made for violence after the match.
Despite a city ban on such gatherings, hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters rallied in Amsterdam’s central Dam Square on Wednesday evening. Police, including mounted officers, detained most of the protesters who refused to leave, peacefully escorting them onto buses.
While acknowledging the seriousness of the antisemitic violence and the need for prosecution, many Dutch lawmakers condemned Wilders’ statements as inflammatory and divisive. Rob Jetten of the D66 party accused Wilders of “pouring oil on the fire” and hindering efforts to combat antisemitism and build a more inclusive society. Frans Timmermans, leader of the largest center-left bloc in parliament, echoed these sentiments.
Itay Garmy, a prominent Jewish member of the Amsterdam City Council, stated that while anger and fear are prevalent within the Jewish community, inflammatory remarks would not help the situation.
Wilders, known for his anti-immigration rhetoric and likened to a Dutch Donald Trump, has been under round-the-clock protection for two decades due to threats from Islamic extremists. He has also been a long-time supporter of Israel.
His latest comments, however, have been widely condemned for exacerbating tensions within Dutch society, particularly in the wake of the recent violence. His call for deportations, based on nationality and without any evidence tying specific individuals to the attacks, has further fueled controversy.
