{
  "id": 14270640,
  "title": "Netherlands 'leading hotbed of antisemitism': Israel condemns Hapoel Be'er Sheva ban",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/netherlands-leading-hotbed-of-antisemitism-israel-condemns-hapoel",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-13T19:14:06.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Jerusalem Post",
    "slug": "jerusalem-post",
    "url": "https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-911607"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Netherlands has been labeled a leading hotspot for antisemitism by Israel following the ban of Israeli football fans from attending a Europa League match in Alkmaar. This comes just two years after a similar incident where Maccabi TLV fans were attacked in Amsterdam while watching an Ajax match. The Dutch city of Alkmaar has now banned Hapoel Be'er Sheva fans from attending their upcoming match against AZ, citing security concerns. Israeli Ambassador Zvi Aviner Vapni had a phone conversation with Alkmaar's mayor Anja Schouten, urging her to find a way to allow Israeli supporters to attend the game safely. The Dutch foreign ministry condemned the ban, stating that it rewards violence and goes against the spirit of sport. The ministry also noted that the exclusion of Israelis is happening amid a rise in antisemitic attacks in the Netherlands. Despite the ban, two anti-Israel demonstrations are still planned before the match. Mayor Schouten moved the protests, but local police said there is insufficient space to separate protesters and football supporters. Israel's Ambassador of Israel to the EU, Avi Nir-Feldklein, had planned to drive to Alkmaar to support Hapoel Be'er Sheva but was informed that all Israeli supporters were banned by the municipality due to a \"very high risk.\" This is the second ban on Hapoel Be'er Sheva in less than a month, with a similar ban imposed on the Belgian city of Leuven in September. The Israeli team includes three Arab-Israeli players.",
  "summary": "The mayor's spokesperson told Nieuwsuur that the decision to ban away fans is fixed and that football will be played in Alkmaar on Thursday, without an away crowd.",
  "key_points": [
    "Netherlands identified as major antisemitism hotspot by Israel.",
    "Hapoel Be er Sheva banned from Alkmaar match due to security concerns.",
    "Dutch foreign ministry condemns ban, citing reward of violence."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}