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‘Pogrom’ or ‘Zionist provocation’: What happened in Amsterdam?

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The events that took place last Thursday after the Ajax-Maccabi Tel Aviv match in Amsterdam are being presented by the mainstream European and Israeli media as an ‘attempted pogrom’ against Jews.

Scores of people were injured and dozens arrested in the clashes between Maccabi fans and the Arab and Muslim communities living in Amsterdam.

Some media and politicians claimed that a ‘Jew hunt’ had begun in Amsterdam, and countries outside the Netherlands, notably Germany, condemned the ‘anti-Semitic violence’.

The mayor of Amsterdam, Femke Halsema, described the attacks as ‘anti-Semitic hit-and-run teams’ and imposed a temporary three-day ban on demonstrations from Friday to Sunday.

It was also claimed that the Israeli government was planning to send a military plane to evacuate its citizens in the region.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced in a video statement that he had ordered the country’s spy agency, Mossad, to prepare a plan to prevent violence at international events. “I have instructed the head of the Mossad [David Barnea] and other officials to prepare our approach, our warning system and our organization for a new situation,” Netanyahu said.

Ambassador Deborah E. Lipstadt, the U.S. special envoy on anti-Semitism, tweeted on Thursday night that the attacks were ‘reminiscent of a classic pogrom’, a post that received more than 655,000 views in 12 hours.

The battle within the coalition has begun: Wilders wants expulsion

Geert Wilders, leader of the Freedom Party (PVV), the largest player in the government coalition, was quick to blame the incidents on ‘anti-Semitism’ and ‘irregular immigration’.

While Wilders and the PVV called for the deportation of all migrants involved in the riots, the coalition partner People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) and its leader Dilan Yesilgöz rejected this.

“In response to the PVV’s call to ‘expel all rioters in the country”, Yesilgöz said that ‘realistic plans should be made’ because most of these people could not be expelled because they were born in the Netherlands.

Wilders, on the other hand, referred to previous governments and said that the VVD had allowed the country to be ‘flooded with rebels’. According to the PVV leader, ‘anti-Semitism’ has increased as a result.

Speaking to Harici, Manchester Metropolitan University behavioral analyst and YouTuber Thomas Karat, who lives 15 minutes from Amsterdam, said it was ‘reasonable’ to expect Wilders to use the programme to intensify his own anti-immigrant and anti-Islam agenda.

Wilders has built much of his political career on a hardline stance against Muslim immigration and a rhetoric of defending ‘Western values’ against what he portrays as threats from Islamic communities,” Karat said, pointing out that by describing what happened in Amsterdam as a ‘pogrom’ or ‘Jew hunt’, Wilders and like-minded politicians could use this narrative to foment fear and division by positioning Muslim communities as ‘aggressors against a vulnerable Jewish minority’.

Karat argued that by framing the incident in such harsh terms, Wilders was aligning himself with a broader ideological narrative that portrays Muslim migrants not only as incompatible with Dutch values, but also as ‘inherently violent’, and suggested that the ground could be prepared for ‘a kind of reverse witch-hunt against Muslim migrants’.

Maccabi hooligans terrorize Amsterdam streets

However, both Dutch Jewish organizations and local journalists point out that the situation is not as portrayed in the European media.

A report in the Forward, a New York-based Yiddish-English Jewish publication, quotes some Dutch Jews as saying that the incidents were instigated by Maccabi hooligans.

Witnesses said groups of Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters spent Tuesday night (5 November) and Wednesday night (6 November) in the city center chanting racist anti-Arab slogans, climbing buildings to remove the Palestinian flag from windows and assaulting a Moroccan taxi driver.

Jelle Zijlstra, a Jewish ‘community organizer’ in Amsterdam, made a post on Instagram that went viral, saying that ‘multiple realities can exist at the same time’.

In her post, Zijlstra drew attention both to the attacks on Israelis and to footage of Maccabi fans shouting ‘F*** Palestine’ and ‘There are no more children in Gaza’ the night before.

In an interview, Zijlstra said: “There was definitely anti-Semitism in some of the incidents. Were Jews attacked in the street? Yes, but these Jews were also violent hooligans.”

New York Times: Everyone agrees the Maccabees instigated the incidents

A New York Times report on the events in Amsterdam stressed that there was no doubt about how the events began.

“Most community leaders in Amsterdam agree on the basic facts,” the NYT wrote, adding, “They largely agree that some Israeli supporters stoked the anger of the city’s Muslim population by shouting inflammatory and racist slogans, including that there were ‘no more children’ in Gaza, defacing the Palestinian flag and vandalizing a taxi.”

According to the report, there was also a consensus that Israeli fans were also subjected to hit-and-run attacks in various locations, often on bicycles and on foot, and that ‘some attackers appeared to have chosen their victims because they were Jewish’.

According to the BBC, some Maccabi Tel Aviv fans have previously been involved in racist incidents in Israel, swearing at the team’s Palestinian and Arab players and reportedly calling for their expulsion.

The team’s fans have previously attacked protesters demonstrating against Prime Minister Netanyahu.

Behavioral analyst Thomas Karat told Harici that terms such as ‘pogrom’ and ‘Jew-hunt’ used by Dutch politicians are very ‘loaded’ words, but news reports and eyewitness accounts cast doubt on these claims.

“News reports and eyewitness accounts show that some Maccabi fans were actively involved in provocations such as aggressive chanting and vandalism of Palestinian symbols, which led to clashes with local groups,” Karat said, adding that this information “undermines the Israeli fans’ narrative of pure victimization” and raises the possibility that Maccabi fans were not only subjected to aggression, but were actually participants and possibly instigators of the clashes.

Karat recalled that some Jewish organizations had also acknowledged this dynamic, suggesting that the actions of Israeli fans had played a role in inflaming tensions.

Dutch intelligence said there was ‘no threat to Israeli fans’

On the other hand, Sheher Khan, a Muslim member of Amsterdam’s city council who was also quoted in the NYT article, said she had asked the mayor beforehand to play the match without spectators.

“If you invite a club from Israel, it will inevitably lead to demonstrations and clashes,” said Khan, who fears violence at the match and is angry that the Dutch government continues to support Israel’s campaign of genocide in Gaza.

According to Khan, the mayor refused the request, and Mayor Femse Halsema’s office confirmed this.

Halsema, a member of the Dutch Green Party, told a press conference after the attacks that she had been told several times by the Dutch national coordinator for security, and counterterrorism that there was no concrete threat to Israeli fans.

Attacks by Israeli hooligans

Tori Eghermann, an American Jew who moved to Amsterdam 20 years ago, said she saw Maccabi fans singing and lighting smoke bombs as she walked through Dam Square in the city center on Thursday night. They were really incredibly well organized and excited,’ she said.

Eghermann noted that violent clashes between locals and racist football hooligans are not uncommon in Amsterdam, pointing out that football fan groups ‘are not known for their peaceful presence in society’.

Israeli fans later clashed with pro-Palestinian demonstrators, singing ‘F… you Palestine’ and shouting ‘Let the IDF [Israel Defence Forces] beat the shit out of the Arabs’.

According to Ori Goldberg, an Israeli academic who studies sports culture, ‘Maccabi Tel Aviv is the mainstream of the mainstream’. But Goldberg said: “(…) the behavior of the supporters is now very Israeli: the world already hates us because the world hates Jews, so we will take our struggle and our cause wherever we go.”

No attacks on local Jews

Asjer Waterman, who also works as a strategic advisor for a local non-profit organization called Jewish Social Work, spent Friday helping Israeli fans as volunteers moved them to a safe place provided by a Jewish sports club in Amsterdam.

Waterman noted that the violence did not appear to target Dutch Jews or Jewish institutions, but only Israeli visitors.

Still, Waterman said, many in the community were ‘still shaken’.

Amsterdam police publish attacks by hooligans

In addition, the Amsterdam police released a statement giving an account of the incidents and revealing what the Israeli hooligans did.

The police spokesman confirmed that the hooligans climbed a building with a Palestinian flag and vandalized a taxi in Rokin, one of the central areas of Amsterdam.

A Palestinian flag was burned in Dam Square, police said, adding that this happened before the riots started.

Jazie Veldhuyzen, a member of Amsterdam’s city council, told Al Jazeera that Israeli supporters also attacked houses with Palestinian flags.

U.S. envoy: I don’t care if Israelis say ‘let’s kill Arabs’

What is interesting is what was said after it gradually became clear that Israeli hooligans were threatening the streets of Amsterdam and Arab-Muslim communities.

For example, Lipstadt, the U.S. special envoy on anti-Semitism, was quoted as saying that the Maccabi hooligans were ‘bullying’ and saying ‘let’s kill the Arabs’, but told the Forward: “I don’t care what they say, it doesn’t give you the right to kick somebody who’s down and make people say ‘I’m not Jewish’ in order to get away safely.”

Mossad to accompany Maccabi Tel Aviv

On the other hand, the Jerusalem Post (JP) reported on 5 November that Mossad agents would accompany the Maccabi Tel Aviv team on its trip to Amsterdam.

JP quoted the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf as saying that in addition to Maccabi’s regular security personnel, Mossad agents would join the team in Amsterdam to provide maximum protection.

JP also reported that last Saturday a pro-Palestinian protester had been attacked by Ajax fans, known to be pro-Israel, before their last match.

Karat: There are indications of Mossad involvement

Karat made the same point to Harici, stressing that the behavior of the Maccabi fans in Amsterdam was quite different from typical hooliganism.

According to the behavioral analyst, in contrast to the chaotic and disorganized nature usually associated with football hooliganism, these fans acted in a cohesive, almost military style, remaining closely grouped ‘as if guided by a common strategy’.

“This disciplined unity raises questions, especially in light of Israeli media reports confirming the presence of Mossad agents and IDF soldiers among the fans,” Karat said.

Karat argued that the inclusion of intelligence officers with experience in covert operations and espionage, rather than police protection in the event of tensions, indicated a ‘more calculated purpose’ beyond mere spectator safety.

According to Karat, the presence of trained agents indicates the potential to ‘manipulate or provoke events under a civilian guise’ and suggests a ‘deeper agenda beneath the superficial show of fan support’.

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Turmoil in the SPD: Pistorius vs. Scholz

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Pressure is mounting on German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to relinquish leadership of his party, the Social Democrats (SPD), ahead of the upcoming snap elections. This move is seen as a potential lifeline for the party, currently polling in third place, to regain electoral momentum.

The SPD leadership has thus far supported Scholz’s bid for a second term in the federal elections, now rescheduled for 23 February 2025 following the collapse of the three-party coalition on 6 November. However, internal dissent is growing.

In two heated party meetings last week, SPD MPs deliberated over whether Defence Minister Boris Pistorius should replace Scholz as the party’s candidate. According to Der Spiegel and POLITICO, one meeting included the conservative wing of the SPD, while the other involved its left wing. Both groups reportedly had significant support for replacing Scholz with Pistorius.

Calls for Scholz to step aside reached a crescendo on Monday, with prominent SPD politicians from North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany’s most populous state, leading the charge.

Pistorius’ voices rise within the party

Dirk Wiese and Wiebke Esdar stated: “The focus is on finding the best political line-up for this election. We hear a lot of praise for Boris Pistorius. It is clear that the final decision on the chancellor candidacy will rest with the party committees, as it should.”

Markus Töns, a long-time SPD member, echoed this sentiment in Stern: “The chancellor has done a good job in difficult circumstances, but the coalition’s end signals a need for a fresh start. Boris Pistorius would make this easier than Olaf Scholz.”

Former SPD leader Sigmar Gabriel was even more critical. Writing on X (formerly Twitter), Gabriel warned of “growing resistance” within the SPD to Scholz’s leadership. “The SPD leadership’s only response is appeasement and loyalty pledges. What we need is bold political leadership. Without it, the SPD risks falling below 15 percent,” he cautioned.

Scholz confident of ‘support from the leadership’

The SPD leadership had planned to finalize the chancellor candidacy decision at its party conference on 30 November. However, the timeline may accelerate to quell the escalating debate.

Speaking from the G20 Summit in Brazil, Scholz dismissed questions about his candidacy, expressing confidence in party support. “The SPD and I aim to win this election together,” he told Die Welt. Secretary-General Lars Klingbeil reinforced this stance, stating on ARD television: “We are committed to continuing with Olaf Scholz—there’s no wavering.”

Chancellor returns without stopping in Mexico

Despite these reassurances, Scholz abruptly canceled his planned trip to Mexico, returning to Berlin after the G20 Summit amid rumors of party infighting. While the SPD leadership held a conference call on Tuesday to discuss the campaign strategy, no decisions were reached.

Recent opinion polls paint a bleak picture for both Scholz and the SPD. The party is polling at 16 percent, far behind the CDU and the far-right AfD, marking a steep decline of 10 points since the 2021 elections.

Yet, Boris Pistorius remains Germany’s most popular politician, consistently outpacing CDU leader Friedrich Merz in approval ratings. This has fueled hopes within the SPD that Pistorius could revitalize their electoral prospects.

Pistorius’ rising profile is not without controversy. Known for his hawkish stance on military issues, he advocates for making the German military “fit for war” and has pushed for increased defense spending to meet NATO’s 2 percent of GDP target. Critics argue that these positions clash with the SPD’s traditional skepticism toward military intervention and ties with Moscow.

Nonetheless, many within the SPD believe Pistorius offers the best chance to avoid a crushing defeat in February’s elections. Pistorius has championed investments to rebuild the Bundeswehr after decades of neglect and launched initiatives to recruit for Germany’s depleted armed forces. His restructuring of the army earlier this year emphasized regional defense over external missions.

Internationally, Pistorius’ assertive approach has earned respect from Western allies, positioning him as a strong contender for the chancellorship despite his public denials. “We already have a candidate, and he is the sitting chancellor,” Pistorius recently told German state television.

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Greek workers hold general strike over high cost of living

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Workers across Greece are participating in a nationwide general strike today (20 November), encompassing all sectors of the country. The strike is being held under the slogans “Money for Wages, Education, and Health” and “Out of the War Slaughterhouses.”

This strike follows weeks of preparation, marked by massive protests and sector-wide actions involving doctors, construction workers, dockers, maritime workers, metal workers, telecom workers, hotel staff, and distribution employees. These coordinated efforts underscore the growing discontent among Greece’s working class.

In a statement, the Militant Front of All Workers (PAME), the organization leading the strike, declared: “For the strike to succeed, there is no alternative but to fight everywhere. If we don’t fight for our interests, we will gain nothing. The great strike struggles of construction workers, railway workers, delivery workers, hotel staff, miners in the shipbuilding region, dockers, shipyard workers, health workers, and teachers are showing the way, providing hope and optimism for more sectors to join in.”

The strike is expected to disrupt government offices, schools, hospitals, and public transportation, including trains and island ferries.

Yannis Panagopoulos, president of the leading private sector union GSEE, emphasized the growing challenges faced by workers: “The cost of living is too high, and our salaries have hit rock bottom, while the high cost of housing has left young people in a tragic situation.”

Like other labor groups, GSEE accused the government of “refusing to take meaningful measures to provide decent living conditions for workers.”

Currently, low-income Greeks are forced to subsist on a minimum wage of less than 900 euros per month, even as retail, telecom, and energy costs remain among the highest in Europe. The left-wing opposition often criticizes this disparity, claiming the less privileged are forced to pay “British prices on Bulgarian salaries.”

Conservative Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis recently pledged to raise the minimum wage to 950 euros. However, critics argue that this measure is insufficient in a society where the wealth gap continues to widen, exacerbated by rising housing costs.

Despite these domestic struggles, international credit rating agencies have lauded the Mitsotakis administration for its fiscal reforms. These reforms have not only ensured Greece met financial targets and returned to investment-grade status, but also enabled the country to outperform other EU member states in terms of economic growth.

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The German army takes steps toward economic militarization

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In Germany, preparations appear to be underway for a potential conflict that could directly impact the Federal Republic much more than before. According to Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ), the Bundeswehr has initiated training programs for companies based on the newly approved German Operational Plan. This classified strategy document reportedly spans 1,000 pages and outlines critical infrastructure and buildings deemed essential for military protection.

The report highlights plan to address a potential Russian threat, focusing on defense strategies and escalation scenarios. Among the measures discussed are steps to ensure the resilience of the civilian economy during crises.

Civil servants ‘train’ companies in Hamburg

One notable aspect of the strategy involves collaboration with businesses. A recent event hosted by the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce showcased this approach, where Lieutenant Colonel Jörn Plischke offered concrete recommendations.

“For every hundred employees, train at least five additional truck drivers that you do not need,” Plischke suggested, citing the high reliance on Eastern European drivers—70% of all trucks in Germany are driven by workers from this region. He raised concerns about a potential labor shortage should war break out in Eastern Europe.

Chamber of Commerce stresses ‘resilient economy’

The Bundeswehr advises businesses to create detailed crisis management plans, including assigning specific roles to employees. Self-sufficiency measures, such as installing diesel generators or wind turbines, are also recommended. The Bundeswehr has called for similar training events to be conducted nationwide, with implementation overseen by state commands.

Malte Heyne, General Manager of the Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the importance of these initiatives, stating:

“A well-prepared and resilient economy is essential for Germany’s civil and military defense.”

Greens propose special funding for armed forces

As early elections approach, debates surrounding Germany’s military spending are intensifying. Green Economy Minister Robert Habeck is advocating for a new “special fund” to bolster military capabilities before the elections, fearing that a two-thirds majority may be unattainable if the AfD and BSW gain more seats in the Bundestag.

The “special funds” allocated since 2022 are projected to be exhausted by 2027. Habeck, along with Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, argues for exemptions from the “debt brake” to accommodate these increases. Pistorius has proposed raising the Bundeswehr’s budget to 3.5% of Germany’s GDP, equivalent to over €140 billion.

Germans against military intervention

Polls reveal mixed views among Germans regarding military spending and intervention:

50% support increasing the Bundeswehr’s budget to 3.5% of GDP, but 56% oppose cuts to social, ecological, cultural, and developmental budgets.

Less than half (46%) favor greater German involvement in international crises, with 71% supporting diplomatic measures over military action.

65% oppose Germany assuming a military leadership role within the EU.

Support for military aid to Ukraine has declined from 66% in 2023 to 57%.

CDU prepares for new interventions

Despite public hesitation, political leaders emphasize the need for Germany and the EU to assert global influence. Economy Minister Habeck recently stated:

“We must be capable of global policy-making.”

Similarly, Friedrich Merz, the opposition CDU/CSU’s chancellor-designate, added:

“Europe must be capable of global policy-making on its own.”

These remarks underscore a shared priority among Germany’s political elite: positioning the country as a global power, potentially through enhanced military means.

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