Amsterdam – In response to recent violence against Israeli soccer supporters in the city, Dutch far-right leader Geert Wilders is set to meet Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana at Schiphol Airport on Friday. This high-profile meeting follows a series of overnight attacks targeting Israeli fans, described by Amsterdam’s mayor as the work of “antisemitic hit-and-run squads.”
The assaults occurred after a heated Europa League match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax, resulting in injuries among Israeli supporters and multiple arrests. The incidents have ignited concerns over antisemitism and public safety in Amsterdam, drawing significant attention from both local and international authorities.
Prompted by these events, Saar and Ohana decided to travel to Amsterdam to engage with local officials and discuss measures to ensure the security of Israeli citizens abroad. Wilders, known for his hardline views on immigration and security, has expressed strong support for Israel and is expected to emphasize the need for stricter law enforcement and protective policies.
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, who had been attending an EU summit in Budapest at the time, announced his early return to the Netherlands to address the situation. It remains uncertain if Prime Minister Schoof and Minister Saar will meet during Saar’s visit.
This meeting underscores the deepening concerns over antisemitic violence and the ongoing need for cooperative efforts between nations to address hate crimes and safeguard their communities. The discussions at Schiphol are anticipated to outline steps aimed at preventing further incidents and fostering greater international collaboration in combating antisemitism.