The cancellations happened during the ADE music festival, one of the world's largest electronic music events, after a video from a "We Will Dance Again" party held at the venue earlier this year surfaced online. Following the controversy, club management announced that, for now, no more events "that could be interpreted as political" will be hosted at the venue.

The club owner said financial losses from the cancellations total approximately 100,000 euros ($106,000), adding that partygoers are the main victims. The owner said the published video "was edited in a biased manner and damaged the venue's reputation."

Event organizers for "We Will Dance Again" criticized the decision, calling it "surrender to threats." The organizers said, "A small group of people uses pressure and threats to dictate what's permitted and what's forbidden, and this is very disturbing." The organizers added that this represents a chilling recreation of patterns of Jewish exclusion from public spaces during dark periods in history. "First, they banned sitting on a bench, then they didn't allow entry to schools. These are things that happened to our parents and grandparents, and now we're seeing similar things happen again," the organizers said.

Belgian parliament member Sam van Rooy also addressed the incidents and warned, "If the cowardly policies continue, Amsterdam will eventually become Judenrein" – cleansed of Jews.

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The Amsterdam court sentenced four individuals involved in the riots surrounding the Ajax versus Maccabi Tel Aviv match on November 7 to prison terms of up to 12 weeks to prison terms of up to 12 weeks on Wednesday. Court evidence confirmed that the suspects either shared information in WhatsApp groups to coordinate and incite attacks on Israeli fans or directly participated in the violence. The most severe sentence of 12 weeks was handed to one particular defendant.

The incident occurred on the night between November 7 and 8, following a European League soccer match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax. Israeli team supporters faced brutal attacks by local rioters who documented their violent acts and shared them across social media platforms.

Reports indicate that a 27-year-old defendant received the longest prison sentence. The judge specifically cited his Holocaust glorification in recovered WhatsApp messages as particularly egregious. In an application group called Burthuis 2, which had over 900 members, he actively tracked and reported Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters' locations. His messages included disturbing statements such as: "Better a dead Jew than a living Jew." The evidence showed he also shared an image of Anne Frank with the text: "Laughing gas is for the weak, I use Zyklon B."

The application also contained another image featuring Adolf Hitler. The judge condemned the trivialization of the Holocaust represented in these messages, stating: "The persecution of Jews during World War II is one of the most shocking events in human history. It caused unprecedented suffering. Even today."

The legal proceedings have advanced significantly, with 14 identified suspects already having stood trial for their involvement in the riots, according to NL Times. Five received convictions with sentences ranging from 100 hours of community service to six months imprisonment during the first set of hearings. An additional two adults and two minors are scheduled to appear in court soon.

The Public Prosecution Service continues its investigation to identify more potential suspects and victims, with dozens of individuals currently under scrutiny. Mara van den Berg, press officer for the OM in Amsterdam, informed the Dutch NOS that "The investigation is still ongoing, but we assume that we now have all the people who committed the most serious violent incidents in our sights."

Recent reports from Europe suggest that "European media remains silent while the court hears shocking details about the 'Jew hunt' in Amsterdam." Hungarian journalist Zoltan Kottasz claimed on Tuesday that five additional suspects appeared in court for the brutal attacks on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans, while Western liberal media outlets maintain what he described as a cynical silence regarding the incident.

While this isn't the first instance where pro-Palestinians who attacked Maccabi Tel Aviv fans have received prison sentences, it represents a significant advancement in the ongoing investigations – with Dutch police apparently making progress in recent days by apprehending an increasing number of those involved in the riots.

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Since the outbreak of the Iron Swords war, Amsterdam has emerged as one of the cities where antisemitism has manifested itself most visibly. Now another incident joins this troubling pattern, this time targeting Israeli cultural figures, who have increasingly found themselves unwelcome overseas in the past year.

On Saturday, Israeli comedian Yohay Sponder was scheduled to perform two pre-arranged shows at the "Boom Chicago" venue in Amsterdam. However, the performances were canceled after several antisemitic organizations sent threatening emails to the club management and launched a social media campaign calling for the cancellation of the "ultra-Zionist" artist. The club announced that "due to the climate in Amsterdam and the responses received, we cannot hold the planned shows on January 25."

Sponder shared the incident with his Instagram followers, expressing his surprise at the decision. He noted that immediately after learning of the cancellation, he received an overwhelming wave of support from the Dutch community.

Speaking to Israel Hayom, Sponder and his team discussed their profound disappointment while emphasizing their resolve to continue performing worldwide, refusing to bow to political pressure. "We planned a European tour that began last Wednesday in London, and we were scheduled to perform two shows in Amsterdam on Saturday night. The first show was sold out and the second was close to selling out.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by YOHAY SPONDER (@yohay_sponder)

"Two weeks before, they contacted us about someone who had come to the club, shouting and expressing outrage about a Jewish performer being scheduled to appear. The club management assured us everything was fine, merely suggesting we consider hiring security services. We understood the situation and immediately agreed to the proposal. Subsequently, we held a Zoom meeting with the club's management. They informed us they had received emails and believed this was an organized effort, rather than an isolated individual. A week and a day before the scheduled performance, we received an email stating that due to the atmosphere in the city and after consulting with the police, they had decided to cancel the shows.

"During our conversation with the club owner, he suggested we might be better off finding a 'Jewish venue' and offered to help. They refunded all ticket purchases, and we later discovered they had never actually consulted with the police – we contacted law enforcement ourselves and they had no knowledge of any such incident. Furthermore, we spoke with the mayor, who was equally unaware. She could have assisted with additional police presence, but since it's a private venue, they couldn't be compelled to host the event.

"The Amsterdam community has been incredible, with numerous people reaching out to offer assistance. However, some opportunists attempted to exploit the situation, telling people there was an alternative venue and tickets were available. A fake Instagram page was created, which we've reported to the police."

When asked about compensation for the cancellation, Sponder Sponder explained they received none. "We're proceeding with our next destinations – Frankfurt, Berlin, Brussels, Paris – and naturally working to secure a new date in Amsterdam, hopefully soon. Since the cancellation, an amazing group has been trying to help us find another venue, though they've received negative responses from several locations. The antisemitic basis for these refusals is obvious. We won't give up – there will be a show in Amsterdam, even if we have to erect a tent. Currently, no venue is willing to host an Israeli comedian who simply wants to bring joy to people. A comedian, not a politician or military figure."

When asked about how this treatment feels, Sponder responded, "It's both insulting and shocking because this is where it begins. It may seem like just a show, just comedy, but it's glaringly obvious that it's solely because of the comedian's identity. The show is called 'Self Loving Jew' and discusses why we should love ourselves and take pride in our identity as Jews and Israelis. Freedom of expression must be upheld even in the face of disagreement. In April, a Palestinian comedian named Sami Obeid is scheduled to perform at the same club, with material centered entirely on criticizing Israel. That's freedom of expression. As long as he's not inciting hatred, he can perform – but it's unacceptable that he can while we cannot."

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Following Israel Hayom's report, tensions escalate as sharp disagreements surface within Israel's security establishment regarding the inadequate preparations that left thousands of Israeli soccer fans exposed to attacks in Amsterdam last Thursday.

The National Security Council typically bears responsibility for warning Israelis about overseas threats. This was demonstrated Sunday when the council issued a detailed advisory urging Israelis to completely avoid attending sports events involving Israeli teams abroad, particularly emphasizing the national team's upcoming match against France in Paris this Thursday.

Video: Compilation of footage of the Amsterdam attack

No such warning was issued to soccer fans who traveled to Amsterdam last Thursday for Maccabi Tel Aviv's match against Ajax. In fact, they received no specific information beyond the general advisory applied to all Israelis traveling abroad, which calls for downplaying their Israeli identity and avoiding displays of Israeli or Jewish symbols.

It remains unclear how a soccer match featuring an Israeli team, whose supporters wear team colors – clearly Israeli identifiers – fits within these criteria. Nevertheless, lacking other intelligence, the National Security Council did not update its warning, and fans were not prevented from attending the game. The explanation provided was that the council relies on information from Israeli intelligence agencies, and without such input, there was no basis to modify the guidelines.

A day before the match, intelligence emerged about an Israeli combat unit veteran who had participated in Gaza operations, whose identity was circulated by Muslim groups in the city, raising concerns about potential targeting. This information was transferred from the Mossad to the National Security Council, and the individual was reportedly located and warned. The National Security Council considered this sufficient and did not conclude it indicated possible risks to the thousands of Israelis visiting the city.

Several hours before the match, both the Mossad and the Diaspora Affairs Ministry received updated intelligence about Muslim groups organizing to attack Israelis after the game. The Mossad shared this information with its Dutch counterpart, while the Shin Bet security agency updated the security officer at the Israeli embassy in Holland, who informed local police. Dutch authorities promised to enhance security around fans leaving the stadium but ultimately took a minimal approach that failed to prevent the attacks.

The National Security Council officials claimed Sunday that the information shared with the Dutch was not properly communicated to them as required. They pointed fingers at the Mossad, suggesting that "interested parties" were briefing against them, referring to Sunday's Israel Hayom headline about the National Security Council's failure to prepare for the event. "Prior to the Amsterdam disturbances, no information or recommendations were received from various agencies to elevate travel warnings," they added.

In response, security officials argued that the National Security Council is attempting to deflect responsibility, not only for taking a minimalist approach while ignoring the event's volatility. They contend that even if the National Security Council received the information late, they could have acted differently, such as issuing immediate warnings to Israelis at the match to remove identifying markers or directing them to specific transportation routes for enhanced security. In practice, relevant messages were only conveyed to fans after the incident had concluded.

The bottom line of this incident is disturbing, not only because of the attack that demonstrated the depth of anti-Israeli and anti-Jewish hatred in Europe. It once again exposed the lack of synchronization between various security and government agencies, which left thousands of Israelis without crucial information and exposed to the violent assault in Amsterdam.

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Jewish-American billionaire Bill Ackman announced Friday he will withdraw his business operations from Amsterdam, responding to the violent assault on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans that occurred in the city Thursday night.

Ackman, who founded and leads Pershing Square Capital Management, revealed plans to shift the trading of Pershing Square Holdings, his public investment vehicle, from the Amsterdam Stock Exchange to London's financial hub.

The hedge fund manager noted that over 90% of the company's trading volume already occurs in London. "Concentrating the listing on one exchange, and leaving a jurisdiction that fails to protect its tourists and minority populations combine both good business and moral principles," Ackman stated. "We can also save money and improve liquidity for shareholders to boot," he added, highlighting the strategic benefits of the decision.

In a parallel move, Ackman, who sits on the board of Universal Music Group (UMG), disclosed ongoing negotiations to relocate the company from Amsterdam to the US. "Pershing Square has a contractual right to cause UMG to be listed in the US. We will exercise this right and achieve a US listing for UMG no later than some time next year," he announced.

The relocation would position UMG for inclusion in the S&P 500 and other major US indices. "UMG trades at a large discount to its intrinsic value with limited liquidity… We are going to fix this. Now is a good and appropriate time to do so," Ackman emphasized.

The billionaire's strategic shifts follow attacks on Israeli soccer team Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters at multiple locations throughout Amsterdam after their match with Ajax. The Israeli fans faced violent assaults from dozens of attackers, some concealed behind masks and bearing Palestinian flags, in what security officials described as a coordinated ambush.

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It's known that Israelis traveling abroad often change their names on ride-hailing apps to more international names, especially when they notice that the driver assigned to them has a Muslim name. From New York to Berlin, many drivers on these apps are Muslim immigrants, and as a result, many Israelis are now reluctant to ride with drivers who appear to be of Muslim background.

This fear of ride-hailing services is not limited to Israelis alone; Jews around the world also share similar concerns. YWN (Yeshiva World News) issued calls over the past weekend to boycott Uber, citing the attacks on Israeli fans by drivers affiliated with the company, some of whom even transported passengers to pre-planned ambushes.

The initiative encourages Jewish passengers to switch to other companies, such as Lyft, until Uber responds to the events in Amsterdam.

Tonight (Saturday evening), events are set to take place across Europe commemorating Kristallnacht. There are concerns that taxi drivers might again target Jewish passengers, viewing them as vulnerable when they enter their cabs.

The Dutch press reported last night that over the past year, some taxi drivers in Amsterdam have refused to pick up passengers with Jewish or Israeli names. Furthermore, some Jewish passengers who changed their names in the app still experience verbal abuse, curses, and, since October 7, even violent assaults by North African drivers.

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In November 1938, the world witnessed the beginning of the Holocaust with Kristallnacht, a horrific pogrom of extreme violence against Jews. Last night, 86 years after that horrific event, Amsterdam experienced another pogrom that felt like history repeating itself.

The shocking scenes from Amsterdam – a coordinated and planned attack against Israeli soccer fans – should not only send shockwaves through Europe but serve as a painful reminder of Europe's and the world's long, unresolved struggle with rising antisemitism.

The brutal attack, led by Islamic extremists targeting Jewish people in the streets, differs in many ways from Kristallnacht. Today, Jews have a strong state of their own, there are authorities to manage such incidents, and the scale of violence is different. We no longer need to wait for the world to act and rescue us – we can and do act ourselves.

Still, the horrifying situation faced by fans who simply wanted to watch a soccer match drew chilling parallels to Kristallnacht, proving that we are witnessing the ideological heirs of the Nazis today – Islamic extremists operating with similar hatred and violence, seeking to spill Jewish blood.

"I hear the approaching thunder that, one day, will destroy us too," Anne Frank wrote weeks before she was discovered in hiding with her family. What we witnessed in Amsterdam was not random; it was part of a larger, premeditated campaign of intimidation and hatred directed at Jews, and represents the peak of global antisemitism since Oct. 7, 2023.

The world must understand: that Jews have lost their sense of personal security. Throughout history, there have been many instances where Jews were forced to leave countries where they felt less secure, and now they are asking themselves the same question: how safe are we in Europe? If law enforcement authorities do not proactively tackle antisemitism, violence, and terrorism with a firm hand, Jews will leave and return to Israel, leaving Europe to face alone the extremism that is reaching new heights and will no longer target only Jews.

The question isn't just about the safety of Jewish communities; it's about Europe's ability or willingness to confront the growing extremism within its borders. For years, authorities were late to recognize the dangerous rise of radical Islam, and even when they did, efforts to curb it were often insufficiently effective.

From anti-Israel demonstrations turning violent to acts of vandalism and physical attacks on anyone and anything they view as enemies, Europe has repeatedly hesitated to repel hate speech and violent extremism in ways that would effectively protect both its Jewish population and the general public.

To prevent another catastrophe, Europe must confront reality and acknowledge that it has become a haven for extremist ideologies seeking to destroy Jewish life, as well as core aspects of European life. This is not a problem that can be minimized or ignored. The rise of violent antisemitism is not just a Jewish issue; it's a European issue, threatening the foundations of European freedom, democracy, and civil rights.

The time to act is now. Europe must begin taking concrete steps to ensure the safety of its Jewish citizens by addressing sources of radicalization, cracking down on violent hate groups, and ending tolerance for antisemitism in any form.

Jews should not fear for their lives simply because of who they are, and Europe must make clear it will not tolerate hatred in its streets for even a moment. The lessons of history are clear: hatred, once allowed to exist and grow, can easily spill over into violence and terror.

Europe must act before it's too late, and Jews need to know their security will no longer be subject to political convenience or denial. If Europe fails to act decisively, it will be left to deal with the consequences of its inaction, just as it did after the horrors of the Holocaust.

Sacha Roytman-Dratwa is the CEO of the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM).

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Hundreds of Arab residents of Amsterdam orchestrated violent attacks against Israeli soccer team Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters late Thursday night, following a soccer match against Dutch soccer team Ajax, in what witnesses described as pre-planned assaults across multiple locations.

The Dutch police stated that "five injured people were evacuated to the hospital and 62 people were arrested. The police are aware of reports about a possible hostage situation and missing persons, but currently, there is no confirmation that this occurred. This aspect is also under investigation."

Currently, local authorities in Amsterdam say they have no reports of missing persons related to the attacks. The situation is now being handled exclusively by Israel's Foreign Ministry, which has established protocols for the returning supporters and is coordinating all response efforts.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) has also initiated an immediate response to the crisis. "Following the severe attacks against Israeli citizens in Amsterdam, and under direction from political leadership, the IDF is launching an immediate rescue mission in coordination with Dutch authorities," an IDF spokesperson announced. The operation will deploy transport aircraft equipped with medical and rescue personnel.

Medical reports confirm that 12 fans sustained injuries, while others sought shelter in local businesses and various safe locations throughout the city. Dutch police evacuated numerous Israelis to their hotels after witnesses reported coordinated ambushes at predetermined locations outside the stadium.

"We're facing hundreds of attackers"

The chaos prompted desperate calls for help on social media, including from a fan who posted an urgent appeal on X to locate a missing friend.

Horrifying scenes in Amsterdam of attempted lynching of Jews by terror supporters. Amsterdam, where are your police?! Jews were beaten by mobs of Arabs and some even jumped into the canals to get away from violent mobs.

Shameful, unacceptable. pic.twitter.com/lr7m4rf8bm

— Emily Schrader - אמילי שריידר امیلی شریدر (@emilykschrader) November 8, 2024

"We're facing hundreds of attackers. The situation is chaotic, and people need immediate evacuation. Several are injured," one fan reported. "They're targeting fans near hotel entrances and central square."

Jonathan, another victim, described his experience: "We were attacked by Arabs near our hotel but managed to escape without serious injury. We're trapped in our room without phone access, too frightened to go to the lobby."

Government response

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with his Dutch counterpart, Dick Schoof, emphasizing the importance of protecting all Israelis in the Netherlands.

Netanyahu strongly condemned the antisemitic attack and requested increased security for the Jewish community in the country. Schoof expressed shock at the events, describing them as having an exceptionally antisemitic character. "I followed the news from Amsterdam with horror. Completely unacceptable antisemitic attacks on Israelis," he wrote on X. "The perpetrators will be tracked down and prosecuted."

A pogrom in the streets of #Amsterdam.

We have become the Gaza of Europe.

Muslims with Palestinian flags hunting down Jews.

I will NOT accept that. NEVER.

The authorities will be held accountable for their failure to protect the Israeli citizens.

Never again.

— Geert Wilders (@geertwilderspvv) November 8, 2024

Meanwhile, Dutch right-wing leader Geert Wilders responded strongly to the events, writing on his X account: "A pogrom in the streets of Amsterdam. We have become the Gaza of Europe. Muslims with Palestinian flags hunting down Jews. I will not accept that. Never."

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir urgently requested the Foreign Ministry address the escalating situation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the newly appointed Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar are actively monitoring developments and coordinating with emergency response teams at the scene.

Opposition Leader Yair Lapid drew historical parallels: "These Amsterdam scenes evoke Europe's darkest chapters. The sight of Jews being hunted and beaten on European streets must serve as a wake-up call regarding the surge in antisemitism and the threats of extremism."

Israel's Ambassador to the Netherlands, Modi Ephraim, is spearheading protection efforts for the affected Israelis. He reported that Dutch authorities have deployed 600 police officers to secure hotels housing the fans.

The Foreign Ministry expressed grave concern about the situation. "We view these events with utmost severity, particularly the continued lack of full control by Amsterdam and Dutch authorities," a ministry spokesperson stated, confirming approximately 30 arrests.

Following discussions with Ambassador Ephraim, Knesset member Almog Cohen reported that Amsterdam's mayor has authorized additional police deployments to affected areas. "I urge all Israeli fans to remain in secure locations and prioritize their safety," Cohen emphasized.

The latest assessment from Foreign Minister Saar's office confirmed ten injuries of yet-undetermined severity. Two individuals remain unaccounted for.
The Israeli consul has been dispatched to Amsterdam hospitals, while diplomatic presence is being reinforced with staff from neighboring countries. Israeli citizens in Amsterdam are instructed to remain in their hotels until further notice.

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A wave of violent attacks targeted hundreds of Maccabi Tel Aviv fans late Thursday night into Friday morning throughout Amsterdam's city center following their team's Europa League match against Ajax. Multiple witness accounts describe a pattern of systematic violence that overwhelmed local law enforcement, with some police units eventually withdrawing from certain areas.

"This was meticulously orchestrated," according to multiple witnesses at the scene. "The attackers arrived armed with knives, and some attempted vehicular attacks against fans in the streets. People were fleeing in terror, desperately trying to reach the safety of their hotels." In response, Israel's Foreign Ministry has activated an emergency operations center to facilitate the rapid evacuation of all supporters from the Netherlands.

"The severity of last night's events blindsided us completely," Ami Shooman, an Israel Hayom photographer who attended the match with his son, recounted. "While we anticipated some pro-Palestinian chants, none of us were prepared for the orchestrated violence that awaited. Our police escort ended at the stadium's train station, but upon disembarking at Dam Square in the city center, we faced an ambush. Hundreds of Arab and Turkish attackers had positioned themselves strategically to target Jewish visitors.

"Young people endured what can only be described as attempted lynching, women were in tears fearing for their lives, and I found myself trying to maintain composure, telling my son 'these are just demonstrations' – all while silently praying for it to end. Fellow fans warned against taking taxis, as numerous drivers were immigrants identified as collaborators in the attacks. The police response took hours to materialize. The scene resembled a war zone. We were eventually barricaded inside a restaurant for protection from the bloodthirsty mob outside. By 2 a.m., authorities began evacuating people in armored vehicles to their hotels. This level of organized violence caught the Dutch authorities completely off guard, and it should serve as a wake-up call for all of Europe."

Social media platforms were filled with desperate posts about missing fans who remained unaccounted for after the attacks, while others sought medical attention for injuries sustained from masked assailants carrying Palestinian flags. The club's emergency hotline was flooded with calls from fans trapped inside stores, while others decided to flee Amsterdam entirely, seeking refuge in surrounding communities.

My heart is completely shattered now...

The videos from Amsterdam are horrific - a nightmare comes to life.

By who? Jihadists. Enough is enough!#AmsterdamPogrom #Israel #Iran #AmsterdamAttack pic.twitter.com/gnhnVZVp6W

— Sangita Singh (@Sangitajadon95) November 8, 2024

"The situation was completely out of control," fans who contacted Maccabi Tel Aviv officials for emergency assistance said. "They had attackers positioned at every corner, utilizing their intimate knowledge of the city's layout to cut off escape routes. Even those walking without any visible Israeli or team identification were stopped and interrogated if deemed suspicious. Failure to respond in Arabic or Dutch resulted in immediate physical assault, with no law enforcement in sight."

Witness accounts indicate that Dutch authorities "had severely underestimated the scale of potential unrest, concentrating their forces in the city center while leaving other areas vulnerable." The Israeli Foreign Ministry has initiated a comprehensive outreach effort to contact all Israeli fans who reported attacks. With serious concerns about potential casualties mounting, diplomatic efforts are focused on expediting the safe return of all fans to Israel.

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A month before the violent riots targeting Maccabi Tel Aviv fans in Amsterdam, Dutch media exposed a troubling trend of local police officers refusing to safeguard Jewish and Israeli sites across the country.

The revelation first emerged in NIW (Nieuw Israelietisch Weekblad), a prominent Jewish newspaper, which reported that a growing number of officers were claiming that protecting Jewish and Israeli sites presented them with a "moral dilemma" and "conscientious concerns."

Two veteran officers voiced their alarm about the police command's increasing tolerance of such refusals. "We have colleagues who are now declining to protect facilities or events linked to the community. They cite 'moral dilemmas,' and I'm witnessing a growing tendency to accommodate these objections. This truly marks the beginning of the end for us as a police force," Michael Theeboom, a local officer, told NIW.

"Our command appears increasingly hesitant to take a decisive stance on this matter, particularly since the outbreak of war in the Middle East. We're drastically departing from our collective responsibility; this requires continued open dialogue," Marcel de Weerd, another police officer, said.

The controversy gained national attention when De Telegraaf, a leading Dutch newspaper, picked up the story, with additional police sources expressing deep concern about growing extremism within the Dutch police force and widening divisions within the organization entrusted with public safety.

A report released six months ago by CIDI, the Netherlands' leading antisemitism monitoring organization, revealed that antisemitic incidents surged by 250% over the previous year, with 379 documented cases in 2023, up from 155 in 2022.

While authorities received more than 1,500 reports of antisemitic incidents, only 379 cases met the criteria for definitive classification as antisemitism. The 2023 figures represent the highest number of incidents recorded in the four decades since the organization began publishing its annual report.

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