FACT CHECK: No, Video Does Not Show Dutch People Celebrating Recent Attacks Against Israelis

November 15th, 2024
Maccabi Tel-Aviv fans carry flags as they wait for the arrival of their friends and family members from Amsterdam, at the Ben Gurion International Airport on the outskirts of Tel Aviv on November 8, 2024. Flights carrying Israelis evacuated from Amsterdam after violent clashes following a football match there landed on November 8 at Ben Gurion International Airport, the Israel Airports Authority said. The United Nations said that it was deeply troubled by the clashes in Amsterdam surrounding the football match between hosts Ajax and Israeli side Maccabi Tel-Aviv, violence branded "anti-Semitic" by Israeli and Dutch leaders. (Photo by Jack GUEZ / AFP) (Photo by JACK GUEZ/AFP via Getty Images)

A video shared on X allegedly shows Dutch people celebrating recent attacks against Israeli soccer fans in Amsterdam. 

 

Verdict: False

The video is from a World Press Photo event several months prior.

Fact Check: 

Several attacks on Israelis occurred at a soccer game between Ajax Amsterdam and Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv last Thursday, according to CNN. Dutch authorities announced that five injured went to the hospital and over 60 people were detained, the outlet reported.

An X post purports to show Dutch citizens cheering after Israelis were attacked. The video shows a crowd of people applauding, some of which are holding Palestinian flags. They chant, “Free, free, Palestine!”

The post’s caption reads, “The Dutch celebrate after teaching the Israelis a lesson they will never forget.”

The video has been miscaptioned, however. It was originally posted by Palestinian photojournalist Motaz Azaiza on May 25, preceding the attacks by several months. “Thanks for everyone who attended the @worldpressphoto event today. Thank you for being the power I use to continue,” the caption reads. World Press Photo held an event the same day “exploring the issues and narratives shaping our world through the eyes of photojournalists and critical thinkers.”

 

The event was held in De Nieuwe Kerk, Amsterdam, which translates to “The New Church” in English. (RELATED:  Image Claims To Show Israeli City Hit By Houthi Drones)

Check Your Fact reached out to a spokesperson for De Nieuwe Kerk for comment. 

Anna Mock

Fact Check Reporter