Bizarre History: Dutch Soccer, Jewish Identity, and Anti-Semitic Attacks

In the realm of sports, a peculiar narrative unfolds in Dutch soccer, intertwining with Jewish identity and anti-Semitic attacks, painting a perplexing picture of historical connotations. At the center of this saga lies Ajax, a revered Dutch soccer club deeply entwined with Jewish symbolism despite most of its fans not being Jewish. The supporters, chanting “Jews, Jews, Jews” and adorning themselves with the Star of David, have forged a connection to Jewish culture as a core facet of their identity.

This intricate history took a dark turn when Maccabi Tel Aviv, a club with actual Jewish affiliation, faced Ajax in a match marred by post-game violence. Israeli fans, after witnessing their team’s defeat, fell victim to orchestrated anti-Semitic assaults in Amsterdam, characterized by the city’s mayor as “anti-Semitic hit-and-run squads.” The scenes that unfolded echoed the horrors of a pogrom, with mobs targeting Jews in a wave of hate-fueled brutality on the streets of a city once dubbed a “safe place” for Jews.

Delving into the historical backdrop, Amsterdam’s past as a sanctuary for Jews juxtaposes starkly with the recent outburst of anti-Semitism. The city, known affectionately as “mokum” or safe haven, provided refuge to Jewish communities fleeing persecution, including sheltering Anne Frank during the Holocaust. Ajax’s association with Jewish culture dates back to the postwar era when the club boasted a significant Jewish following, resonating with a city that once thrived with Jewish life.

Ajax’s rise to prominence in the soccer world heralded a new era with its innovative total football strategy, epitomized by the legendary Johan Cruyff. Embracing Jewish customs, such as ordering kosher salami for luck, and incorporating Yiddish phrases into their camaraderie, Ajax players and fans crafted a narrative that offered solace in the wake of a dark past tainted by Nazi collaboration. However, this unique identity also made them targets for anti-Semitic vitriol from rival clubs, exposing the darker undercurrents of discrimination that pervaded Dutch soccer culture.

The recent resurgence of anti-Semitic attacks during the Ajax-Maccabi Tel Aviv match underscores a global trend of rising anti-Semitism, exacerbated by social media ambivalence and minimizing of such incidents. The assault coinciding with the 86th anniversary of Kristallnacht serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat faced by Jewish communities, even in a city with a storied history of Jewish resilience.

In conclusion, the strange history that intertwines Dutch soccer, Jewish identity, and anti-Semitic violence underscores the complex interplay of sports, culture, and historical trauma. The events in Amsterdam serve as a sobering reminder of the enduring presence of anti-Semitism and the ongoing struggle to confront and combat prejudice in all its forms.