Amsterdam Mayor Regrets Pogrom Remarks After Violence

On November 7, violent clashes erupted in Amsterdam following a Europa League match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and AFC Ajax, resulting in attacks on Israeli fans by groups on scooters, which were reportedly fueled by anti-Semitic sentiments online. The mayor of Amsterdam, Femke Halsema, faced backlash for initially describing the violence as a 'pogrom,' a term she later regretted as it became politically charged and misused in national discourse. Halsema clarified that her intention was to express the fear and sadness of the Jewish community, not to draw direct comparisons to historical pogroms against Jews. The violence also included provocations from Israeli fans, who engaged in anti-Arab chants and vandalism, leading to tensions. Amid the controversy, Dutch police have arrested several suspects and are continuing their investigation into the incidents. Halsema has called for better management of social tensions and criticized political leaders for exploiting the situation to promote divisive narratives.