The Pogrom Events in Amsterdam: Important Updates for Israelis
After passports were destroyed in the Amsterdam pogrom: Israelis will be able to return to Israel with travel documents or a passport photocopy.
Following the grave events in Amsterdam, Interior Minister Moshe Arbel instructed the head of the Population and Immigration Authority to act to assist the Israelis who were harmed. Israelis who lost their passports will be able to fly back to Israel with a travel document or a photocopy of their passport, to ensure their safe return.
In addition, the authorities were instructed to operate in emergency mode over Shabbat due to concern for the safety of Israelis in Amsterdam who were out of contact.
A Special El Al Rescue Flight from Amsterdam on Shabbat
In line with the National Security Council’s warning and in light of the violence in Amsterdam, El Al announced it would operate a rescue flight on Shabbat free of charge. The flight will allow Israelis there to return to Israel immediately. Full details on the rescue flight are available on the airline’s website.
El Al CEO Dina Ben Tal Ganancia:
“Following the exceptional events in Amsterdam, all of El Al’s people mobilized to operate free rescue flights that will run during Shabbat. We’re proud to be an anchor for Israelis even in difficult times.”
Details of the Rescue Flight and Additional Flights
The first flight is scheduled to depart Amsterdam at 14:00, with another flight later. El Al is providing seats free of charge for all passengers who held a ticket on El Al or another airline. For those registering for the flights, El Al’s customer service center is available on a dedicated number: 03-9404040.
In addition, two other pre-planned flights are making their way back to Israel with about 350 Israelis, unrelated to the violent events.
El Al Chairman Amikam Ben Zvi:
“El Al is committed to serving as an air bridge between Israel and the world, and continues to mobilize for every national mission.”
Urgent Appeal to the Netherlands: “Increase Security for the Jewish Community”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with the Dutch Prime Minister and stressed the need to ensure the safety and security of Israelis and the Jewish community in the country, especially in light of the violent events and the injured there.
Dutch Prime Minister Condemns the Violence: “This Is an Antisemitic Attack”
During the conversation, the Dutch Prime Minister described the events as an “antisemitic attack” and declared that those responsible for the violence would be brought to justice and face severe consequences.
Arkia Prepares a First Rescue Flight from Amsterdam. The airline will add a flight on the Amsterdam–Tel Aviv route departing Schiphol Airport tomorrow (Saturday) at 07:00 on one of its AIRBUS A321 aircraft.
According to Arkia’s announcement, the airline is preparing to add more rescue flights. Flight details, registration and purchase are on the airline’s website.
3,000 in Need of Rescue: Special Preparations at Ben Gurion to Receive Flights Throughout Shabbat
The Ministry of Transport announced that rescue flights from Amsterdam would operate throughout the night, in order to bring back about 3,000 Israelis in need of rescue. The announcement noted that rabbis gave El Al their approval to operate the flights during Shabbat as well, in cases where there’s concern of danger to life.
Special Preparations at Ben Gurion to Receive the Injured and Shabbat Observers
As part of the special preparations, Ben Gurion is getting ready for the fast, efficient reception of the injured and of Shabbat-observant passengers, in order to give them the care and support they need on arrival in Israel.
Ministry of Transport: About 3,000 Fans Request Rescue from Amsterdam; Special Preparations for Emergency Flights During Shabbat
According to the Ministry of Transport, about 3,000 Israelis, most of them fans who flew to watch the match, asked to return to Israel as soon as possible. Ministry Director General Ben Zaken said the ministry is working in cooperation with the Israeli airlines, which immediately began organizing the rescue flights. The Transport Minister contacted the Chief Rabbis and updated them on the grave situation and the need to ensure the safety of the Israelis, and in light of concern of danger to life, the rabbis approved holding the flights during Shabbat.
Update for Passengers: Stay in Touch with the Airlines
Passengers seeking a seat on the rescue flights should stay in touch with the Israeli airlines to secure a place. In addition, the Ministry of Transport announced that Israeli Air Force flights will also operate, funded by the government, at no cost to passengers.
Preparations at Ben Gurion Airport to Receive Passengers
Takeoff and landing times of the rescue flights will be unusual and will operate beyond the flight curfew hours, in order to bring back the Israelis who need help from Amsterdam. At Ben Gurion, preparations are being made to receive the injured and the returnees, and options are being examined to help Shabbat-observant passengers who choose to stay at the airport until the end of Shabbat. Ben Zaken said: “We’ll find solutions for them.”
Preparations to Receive the Injured
Security forces and Magen David Adom will be on standby to provide medical care to passengers as needed, according to updates received from the rescue flights.
