Amsterdam riots: 'Violence like this is a boon for Wilders and the anti-Muslim far right'
Nov 14, 2024
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David de Jong, an investigative journalist and author of "Nazi Billionaires," discusses the shocking violence against Israeli soccer fans in Amsterdam. He explores how these incidents highlight the conflicting narratives shaped by media coverage. De Jong argues that such unrest benefits far-right parties, fueling anti-immigration sentiments across Europe. The conversation also delves into the ineffective response from Dutch authorities and the broader implications for political dynamics in Europe amidst rising polarization and tensions.
The riots in Amsterdam highlight the contrasting media narratives between Israel and the Netherlands, influencing public perception significantly.
Increased violence against Israeli fans may bolster far-right populism in Europe, heightening tensions surrounding immigration and minority rights.
Deep dives
Violence and Arrests in Amsterdam
The violent clashes involving Israeli soccer fans in Amsterdam after a match have led to significant unrest and over 70 arrests. Following the game, riots erupted in certain neighborhoods, resulting in property damage and a heightened sense of danger among attendees. Eyewitness accounts highlight that many fans were ordinary families attending the match, rather than extremist groups. Initial reports indicated that the violence was premeditated by pro-Palestinian groups, but no concrete evidence has emerged to support this narrative as investigations continue.
Diverging Narratives Between Israel and the Netherlands
There are notable differences in how the events are reported in Israel versus the Netherlands, which reflect deeper cultural and political divides. In Israel, media portrayals suggest that attacks were orchestrated ahead of time, whereas Dutch narratives often imply that the Israeli fans provoked the violence. Reports cite incidents where Israeli fans were involved in altercations with local cab drivers, leading to accusations of premeditated attacks against them. These contrasting perspectives create a complex atmosphere where miscommunications and mythologies significantly influence public perception.
Consequences for European Societal Dynamics
The incident has raised concerns about the potential strengthening of far-right populism in the Netherlands, as fear and anger may drive public sentiment against minority groups. Observers note that this situation could serve as a rallying point for right-wing politicians, who capitalize on these fears to garner support. The broader implications for Europe include the possibility of increased tensions regarding immigration and minority rights, as well as the potential for similar incidents to escalate. Political and social ramifications may echo across Europe, affecting how countries manage protests and public events in the future.
On this episode of the Haaretz Podcast, Dutch journalist David de Jong and host Allison Kaplan Sommer discuss the violence against Israeli soccer fans on the streets of Amsterdam last weekend, and the media coverage of the events in Israel and the Netherlands, characterized by conflicting narratives and a flurry of viral videos that were often misleading.
De Jong, a financial journalist who has covered the Gaza War over the past year, said the streets of Amsterdam were the last place he expected to watch the Middle East conflict play out. He also explained why the violence that erupted following the Maccabi Tel Aviv - Ajax match is a "boon" for the anti-immigration far-right parties in the Netherlands and across Europe.