Amsterdam violence exposes anti-immigrant Islamophobia in the Netherlands
Violent clashes between locals and Israeli soccer fans in Amsterdam has spiraled into a clash of identities in the Netherlands.
What began as violent clashes between locals and Israeli soccer fans has spiraled into a clash of identities in the Netherlands, leaving many feeling their place in society is precarious, their belonging conditional, and their voices drowned out in a tide of blame.
The resignation of a Moroccan-born minister has added yet more fuel to a fire that has exposed deep racial and religious divides from the streets to the Cabinet office, bringing the government to the brink of crisis.
Deputy finance minister Nora Achahbar quit the cabinet Friday in protest after hearing alleged racist remarks during a closed-door Dutch cabinet meeting.
Amsterdam was gripped by violence this month surrounding a match between Dutch team Ajax and the Israeli team Maccabi Tel Aviv. According to officials, the violence included “rioters who actively sought out Israeli supporters to attack and assault them,” sending five to hospital, and inflammatory and violent actions by some of the Israeli fans, who shouted phrases like “Death to the Arabs” and “Let the IDF win. We will f--- the Arabs.”
The episode spread fear in the Jewish community — and revealed long-simmering frustrations over anti-Muslim rhetoric and Islamophobia in the Netherlands.
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