AHA Foundation and Ayaan Hirsi Ali condemn the violent assault on Israeli soccer fans in Amsterdam

Published 11/8/2024

The horrifying events in Amsterdam last night, where Israeli soccer fans were brutally attacked, have left a scar on a city once celebrated for its tolerance and inclusivity. These attacks, carried out under disturbing slogans like “Globalize the Intifada,” signal a growing normalization of Islamist-driven antisemitism that is taking hold not only across Europe but also in the United States.

Having spent many years living in the Netherlands, I am intimately familiar with Amsterdam’s culture and society. The violent outbreak we recently witnessed is not an isolated incident but a frightening confirmation of the warnings I’ve given Europeans and Americans for over two decades. This event in a city that once exemplified tolerance and integration now tragically exposes the deep-seated issues within a multicultural framework that has failed to promote true assimilation, instead allowing extremist ideologies to take root and grow. For a deeper analysis, read more of my thoughts here.

This violence should serve as a wake-up call for governments and communities alike. We must no longer ignore the consequences of unchecked extremism globally and must instead strengthen our resolve to ensure that the Jewish community worldwide is not only free from attack but can also thrive, and exist without fear of antisemitism. Existing freely is the bare minimum; we must strive for a world where the Jewish community can fully participate and flourish in every aspect of life, unencumbered by prejudice or discrimination.

Today, AHA stands in solidarity with the Jewish community around the world, pledging to continue our fight against antisemitism in all its forms. Now is the time to take decisive action against this rising tide of hatred. 

Sincerely,  

Ayaan Hirsi Ali