Israel’s portrayal of violence between Amsterdam locals and Maccabi fans last year led to a debate over anti-Islam and immigration issues.
Violence between Maccabi Tel Aviv fans and Amsterdam locals in November 2024 led to heated debate across the Netherlands. What began as street clashes quickly escalated as Israeli officials labeled the attacks “anti-Semitic” and drew comparisons to the Holocaust.
The incident became a rallying point for various groups. Dutch Zionist organizations supported the Israeli narrative, while others used the events to promote anti-immigration views. Some have questioned whether the football clash is being manipulated for political gain.
Al Jazeera correspondent Step Vaessen talks to all parties involved, revealing how different parties shaped the story. Through interviews with football fans, residents and experts, she reveals how one night of violence exposed deeper cultural tensions and reshaped community relations in polarized Dutch society
