Two Years After Amsterdam Attacks, Maccabi Tel Aviv Fans Await Full Compensation
Translated & summarized from Walla by baba
Two years after extremist rioters attacked Maccabi Tel Aviv fans in Amsterdam, 21 of 40 victims have received initial compensation from a Dutch commission, ranging from 2,500 to 5,000 euros. Civil lawsuits against perpetrators and the Dutch government are pending, with four rioters already convicted. Professor Gideon Fisher believes more victims exist and can still file complaints, even in Israel. The article highlights ongoing difficulties for Israeli fans traveling abroad, referencing a recent incident involving Hapoel Be'er Sheva supporters.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- 21 of 40 Maccabi Tel Aviv fans attacked in Amsterdam have received initial compensation.
- Victims received between 2,500 and 5,000 euros from a Dutch state commission.
- Civil lawsuits against rioters and the Dutch government are expected to follow criminal convictions.
- Professor Gideon Fisher believes more victims exist and can still file complaints.
- Israeli football fans continue to face difficulties traveling abroad for matches.
- The attacks occurred on November 7, 2024, after a match against Ajax.
Two years after dozens of extremist rioters attacked Maccabi Tel Aviv fans in Amsterdam following a Europa League match against Ajax, many victims are still awaiting full compensation and justice. The incident, which occurred on November 7, 2024, saw attackers, described as mostly local radical Muslims, pursue and assault Israeli fans, including women and children, for hours in the city center.
Of the 40 Maccabi Tel Aviv fans who filed complaints for physical and psychological harm, 21 have received initial compensation from a Dutch state commission for criminal offenses. This compensation ranges from 2,500 to 5,000 euros per victim, determined by the severity of their injuries. Professor Gideon Fisher, whose law firm handled most of the claims, believes many more victims exist who have not yet come forward.
Victims can still file police complaints, and Fisher's office has arranged for this to be done in Israel, avoiding the need to travel to the Netherlands. Some victims have refrained from filing for various reasons, including reluctance to deal with police, fear of future travel issues to the Netherlands, or concern that numerous complaints might negatively impact Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Civil lawsuits against the perpetrators or the Dutch government are expected to follow the conclusion of criminal proceedings. Four rioters have already been convicted. These civil claims will address physical and psychological damages, though no victims suffered permanent physical disabilities. The amount awarded in civil suits will depend on the nature of the harm and the evidence presented.
The article notes that the situation for Israeli football fans traveling abroad remains precarious, referencing a recent incident where Hapoel Be'er Sheva fans were denied entry to the Netherlands for a match. Despite the ongoing legal processes, the path to normalcy for Israeli fans attending European games without fear is still long.