Amsterdam Mayor Faces Backlash Over Violence Remarks

Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema has retracted her initial description of the violence against Israeli soccer fans on November 7 as a 'pogrom', stating that the term has been politicized and weaponized by the Israeli government and local politicians to discriminate against the Moroccan-Muslim community. She expressed regret for her use of the term, emphasizing that her intention was to convey the fear and sorrow of Jewish residents, not to incite further division. Halsema criticized the Israeli government's quick response, claiming they misrepresented the situation while local authorities were still gathering facts. Despite her efforts to address the violence, she acknowledged that provocations by Maccabi Tel Aviv fans contributed to the unrest. Following the attacks, which left at least 25 injured, the mayor imposed a three-day ban on demonstrations, although clashes continued regardless. Halsema's remarks highlight the complexities and sensitivities surrounding the incidents, which involve broader issues of antisemitism and communal tensions in Amsterdam.