'We failed Jewish people again', admits Dutch king

Willem-Alexander reignites memories of pogroms in WW2 as Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters are attacked in Amsterdam

- ANDY GREGORY

The king of the Netherlands has said his nation failed the Jewish community as it did "during the Second World War" after Israeli football fans were attacked in Amsterdam.

Speaking to Isaac Herzog, Israel’s president, King WillemAlexander expressed “deep horror and shock”. Mr Herzog quoted him as saying: “We failed the Jewish community of the Netherlands during the Second World War” – a reference to Nazi occupation – “and last night we failed again”.

Willem-Alexander also said: “We cannot turn a blind eye to antisemitic behaviour in our streets” – adding that history “has taught us how intimidation goes from bad to worse, with horrific consequences”.

“Jews must feel safe in the Netherlands, everywhere and at all times. We put our arms around them and will not let them go,” he said.

Amsterdam’s mayor condemned the “hit and run attacks” on Israeli football fans as an “explosion of antisemitism” and a “dark day”.

A major investigation has been ordered after up to 30 Maccabi Tel Aviv fans were injured, including five who were taken to hospital, in attacks following the club’s Europa League match with Ajax on Thursday night. At least 62 people were arrested by police, with 10 still in custody yesterday afternoon.

Earlier yesterday Maccabi fans were filmed tearing down Palestinian flags in the city centre while chanting “death to Arabs”.

At a press conference, mayor Femke Halsema said: “Amsterdam is looking back on a black night and today is still a dark day. Antisemitic, hateful rioters and criminals yesterday and yesterday night have attacked Jewish visitors to our city.”

She added: “Boys on scooters were driving through the town looking for Maccabi supporters. It was hit and run. Football fans were attacked and then rioters took off again, running away from the police forces who were there in great numbers.”