Following an antisemitic attack on Israeli soccer fans in Amsterdam, an Austrian bishop and other leaders have publicly condemned the violence, drawing historical parallels and emphasizing the need for peace and unity.

On Thursday, Israeli soccer fans were reportedly targeted by a group of young men on scooters after a game between a Dutch and Israeli team. The assailants allegedly taunted the fans with chants like “Jewish, Jewish” and “IDF, IDF” while physically assaulting them. One victim recounted that the attackers shouted "Palestine" during the altercation. Amsterdam’s mayor, Femke Halsema, labeled the incident an “eruption of antisemitism,” and Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof denounced the violence as “unacceptable,” pledging to hold the perpetrators accountable.

Archbishop Franz Lackner of Salzburg, president of the Austrian bishops’ conference, expressed deep alarm over the incident, especially given its timing, close to Kristallnacht commemorations. Kristallnacht, or the “Night of Broken Glass,” occurred from November 9–10, 1938, marking the start of a brutal Nazi-led campaign against Jews across Germany and Austria. Lackner called for prayers for peace between Israel and Palestine, condemning any ideology that justifies violence against Jewish people, whether based on religion or politics.

“We must stand up against this,” Lackner said, underscoring the Catholic Church’s opposition to antisemitism. His comments echoed the 1965 encyclical *Nostra Aetate*, in which St. Paul VI condemned hatred, persecution, and any displays of antisemitism directed against Jews.

The incident has garnered international attention, with Israeli President Isaac Herzog describing it as an “antisemitic pogrom.” Reports indicate that Dutch King Willem-Alexander called Herzog to apologize. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government arranged special flights to evacuate Jewish people from Amsterdam as tensions rose.

The U.S.-based Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has recorded a sharp increase in antisemitic incidents globally since the Hamas-led invasion of Israel on October 7, 2023, with incidents up over 350%. The ADL notes that many of these cases involve verbal harassment, rallies supporting anti-Zionist or antisemitic rhetoric, physical assaults, and vandalism.

Catholic leaders in the United States have similarly condemned the resurgence of antisemitism, reminding Christians of their shared heritage with Judaism. They urge Catholics to join in opposing antisemitic acts and promoting solidarity.

As the world marks another Kristallnacht anniversary, leaders across religions and nations are highlighting the continued need for vigilance and compassion in the face of hate.