Before the international football match between France and Israel, Paris has increased the number of security personnel by thousands due to concerns of potential violence. Just a week ago, violent clashes targeting Israeli fans occurred in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
On Thursday, November 14th, the international football match between France and Israel is scheduled to take place at the Stade de France on the outskirts of Paris. France has deployed 4,000 police officers and 1,600 security guards for the event.
Last Thursday in Amsterdam, violent incidents targeting Jewish individuals led to at least 5 people being hospitalized and over 60 others being arrested.
Amsterdam’s mayor, Femke Halsema, stated that the messaging app Telegram was used by violent attackers to organize assaults, with some chat content including messages about “hunting Jews.”
Israeli fans told The Wall Street Journal that following last week’s violence in Amsterdam, the situation worsened two days later as Israeli tourists in the city reported being followed and harassed.
Several videos circulating online show Israeli fans grabbing Palestinian flags and chanting anti-Palestinian slogans.
The Israeli government issued a warning last Sunday, stating, “For the next week, absolutely avoid participating in Israeli sports/cultural events abroad, especially the game to be held in Paris.”
According to the Israeli government, overseas pro-Palestinian groups are intent on harming Israelis in countries such as the Netherlands, the UK, France, and Belgium.
French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau welcomed Israelis to Paris on Wednesday, assuring that the city would be safe for them.
The Stade de France, where the match will be held, has a capacity of 80,000 people and is located in the suburbs of the French capital, Saint-Denis. The area is known for its large population of Muslim immigrants.
Following the 2022 UEFA Champions League final between Liverpool and Real Madrid, both sets of fans reported being robbed and attacked by criminal gangs outside the stadium. There were also complaints about strict law enforcement, poor organization, and overcrowding inside the stadium.