Belgium

Brussels cathedral apologizes for antisemitic past

Brussels cathedral installs plaques apologizing for medieval antisemitic persecution depicted in stained glass.

European Jewish Association

'Jews need to prepare to leave Belgium'

EJA Chair Rabbi Menachem Margolin warns of antisemitic motives behind prosecution of 2 mohels: 'Message here is clear: Jews are now second-class citizens.'

Masked students 'seize' Belgian university

Pro-Palestinian students, who covered their faces with keffiyehs, demand that the university impose a full academic boycott on Israel.

650 years later:

Major Belgian church acknowledges historic injustice

Ancient stained-glass windows depicting a 1370 blood libel was removed at a ceremony in the Saint Michael Cathedral in Brussels, attended by hundreds as well as the Chief Rabbi of Belgium.

European Jewish leaders honor US Ambassador Bill White

US Ambassador Bill White receives EJA’s King David Award for defending Jewish religious freedoms, as European leaders warn of rising antisemitism and push for stronger protections.

Belgian prime minister's pledge to Jewish leaders

At a joint meeting the prime minister confirmed he will deliver the main speech at the annual memorial for the deportation of Jews during the Holocaust, to be held in Antwerp on May 6.

Vehicle torched in Jewish neighborhood in Antwerp

An Islamist organization claimed responsibility and published a threatening statement in which it vowed to continue its actions 'until the liberation of Palestine.'

Belgium: Soldiers deployed in Jewish neighborhoods

The Belgian Ministry of Defense has deployed soldiers outside synagogues and Jewish schools in Antwerp following a wave of antisemitic incidents across Europe.

Wave of antisemitism in Europe:

Army to secure Jewish institutions following antisemitic attacks

Following the attack at the synagogue in Liège and a series of antisemitic incidents across Europe, Belgium’s Interior and Defense Ministers announced army will take part in securing Jewish institutions, in cooperation with the federal police.

New terror group threatens Europe's Jewry

Diaspora Ministry reveals new terror group attacking synagogues in Belgium and Holland, suspicion attacks are revenge for elimination of Iraqi official acting in service of Iran.

Explosion near Belgium synagogue

Police close street, open investigation, after explosion occurs near synagogue in Liège, Belgium.

US ambassador rebuked for defending circumcision in Belgium

Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot summoned U.S. Ambassador Bill White after White accused Belgium of antisemitism and attacked the health minister for banning three Jewish mohels from practicing.

US Amb. condemns prosecution of 3 mohels in Belgium

US Ambassador to Belgium Bill White calls on Antwerp to 'drop the ridiculous and antisemitic prosecution' of religious figures who were arrested for performing circumcisions.

11 nations condemn demolition of UNRWA headquarters in Jerusalem

11 nations condemn Israel's demolition of UNRWA's Jerusalem headquarters, urging adherence to international law and calling for unimpeded humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza and Judea and Samaria.

Islamic Party reveals its goal: an Islamic Belgium

Belgium councilor says he supports an Islamic state in Belgium, governed according to Sharia law, 'even if it takes decades.'

Western states condemn approval of new Judea, Samaria communities

A group of Western and allied countries condemned Israel’s approval of 19 new communities in Judea and Samaria, calling the move unilateral and harmful to regional stability and peace efforts.

Belgium joins South Africa in ICJ genocide case against Israel

Belgium files a declaration of intervention to join South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.

Belgium reverses police withdrawal from Antwerp Jewish quarter

Belgium’s Interior Minister reverses a plan to pull federal police from Antwerp’s Jewish district after community pressure and intervention by Jewish leaders.

Jewish community livid

Belgium ends federal protection for Antwerp’s Jewish quarter

Federal police protection for Antwerp’s Jewish quarter ends January 1 despite growing risks to local Jewish community.

Anti-Israel incitement

EJA files legal action over Bob Vylan’s Brussels concert

European Jewish Association launches legal action after Bob Vylan’s Brussels concert incited chants of “Death to the IDF”.

Gazan who celebrated October 7 massacre walks free in Belgium

Mohanad Alkhatib, a resident of Khan Yunis who participated in the October 7 massacre and was documented infiltrating Israeli territory, is seen roaming Antwerp freely, enjoying the city's Christmas market.

Despite boycott calls

Belgium confirms Eurovision participation

Belgium’s RTBF confirms Eurovision participation in Vienna, a day after the EBU ruled that Israel would be allowed to participate.

1st time

Belgian Princes visit Samaria & express support for sovereignty

For the first time in history, a delegation of Belgian princes arrived in Israel as guests of Yossi Dagan. During their tour of Samaria, Prince Édouard de Ligne declared: “Sovereignty is a major issue - we stand in solidarity with you.” Prince Charles-Antoine added: “I am impressed by all the building here.”

Belgium suspected to be hiding October 7th terrorist

An investigation by JID reveals that a Hamas militant filmed taking part in the October 7 massacre is living in Brussels and leading a normal life. A request for his arrest has been submitted to the police.

Belgium foils terror plot targeting PM Bart De Wever

Belgian police foil a jihadist-inspired plot targeting PM Bart De Wever. Two suspects arrested, explosives and drone parts found.

Jews considering leaving Belgium due to rising antisemitism

An international conference against antisemitism focused on the spread of antisemitism within the judiciary, the media, politics and education.

After antisemitic cancellation

Belgian PM backs Israeli conductor

Belgian PM Bart De Wever attends a German orchestra's concert to support its Israeli conductor, Lahav Shani, after a Belgian festival disinvited them over Gaza war concerns.

Tens of thousands march in Brussels against Israel

Over 70,000 march in Brussels to support Palestinian Arabs, calling for sanctions against Israel.

Israel clinches EuroBasket spot after thrilling win over Belgium

Israel’s basketball team advances to EuroBasket’s final 16 after a 92-89 win over Belgium, led by Deni Avdija and Roman Sorkin. It's Israel’s first time past the group stage in over a decade.

Belgian hospital records 'Jewish' as allergy in 9-year-old's file

A 9-year-old girl’s medical file at a hospital in Knokke, Belgium listed 'Jewish (Israeli)' under allergies, prompting legal action and ethical condemnation.

Belgium to recognize 'Palestine', impose sanctions on Israel

Belgian Foreign Minister announces his country will recognize “Palestine” and impose sanctions on Israel over its actions in Gaza. The move includes sanctions on Israeli “settlements” and support for a two-state solution.

Belgian PM pledges sympathy and respect for the Jewish community

Rabbi Menachem Margolin, Chairman of the European Jewish Association (EJA), welcomes Belgian PM Bart De Wever's support and moving message to the European Jewish community

Report:

Hamas-aligned attacker allegedly stabs critic at Brussels protest

Eyewitnesses allege Hamas supporter stabbed anti-Hamas demonstrator during Brussels protest, prompting investigation into suspected internal Palestinian tensions.

Over terror support

Belgium strips refugee status from Samidoun leader

Belgium revokes the refugee status of Mohammed Khatib, coordinator of Samidoun, citing his support for terrorism and extremist groups. Jewish leaders applaud the move.

UK, allies urge immediate Gaza ceasefire

Joint declaration by UK, EU official, and 25 nations denounces humanitarian conditions in Gaza, criticizes Israeli policy, and urges immediate ceasefire and hostage release.

Following arrest of Israelis:

EJA condemns Belgium's "distorted and flawed moral compass"

European Jewish Association criticizes investigation as politically driven, warning it legitimizes extremists and undermines democratic values.

Watch:

Jewish spiritual message echoes at music festival opening

Israeli duo Vini Vici opens Tomorrowland set with spiritual message from Rabbi Shlomo Yehuda Be'eri, known as the 'Yanuka.'

Dangerous precedent:

Two Israelis arrested in Belgium for 'war crimes'

Two Israelis, including an IDF soldier, attending Tomorrowland were briefly detained by Belgian police after a legal group accused them of war crimes in Gaza; both were released and left the country.

Jewish leaders & doctors

'Stop the criminalization of Jewish circumcision in Belgium'

The European Jewish Association (EJA) has launched an urgent and coordinated campaign to defend Brit Milah following police raids and pending prosecutions of registered Jewish Mohalim in Antwerp, Belgium.

Diaspora Minister:

'UK and Belgium have fallen, Jews must leave'

Israeli Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli issued a stark warning to Jewish communities in the United Kingdom and Belgium to 'get up and leave.'

Sa'ar responds to Belgium:

'Obsessed with Israel even when we fight an existential threat'

Israeli Foreign Minister responds to Belgian Deputy PM Maxime Prévot's call for sanctions on good made in Judea and Samaria during the conflict with Iran.

Deputy Knesset Speaker:

'Severe infringement' on Jewish religious freedom in Belgium

Deputy Knesset Speaker, MK Rabbi Moshe Roth, urgently appeals to Belgian Ambassador and FM Sa'ar following seizure of milah instruments in Antwerp

Watch:

Belgian PM answers reporter who accused Israel of genocide

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever did not stand by when a reporter claimed that Israel was committing 'genocide.' 'That's normally something for the International Criminal Court to decide.'

Belgian court acquits antisemitic columnist

A Ghent court has ruled that Herman Brusselmans did not cross criminal boundaries with his comments against Jews and the war in Gaza.

Under new government

Belgium adopting pro-Israel policy

According to the coalition agreements, Belgium will impose sanctions against Palestinian Arab incitement, support the fight against the Iranian nuclear program, and work to stop Hamas funding within its territory.

Due to threats:

Minister Amichai Chikli forced to cancel visit to EU Parliament

Due to concrete warnings and following the instruction of the security authorities, Minister of Diaspora Affairs Amichai Chikli had to cancel his visit to the European Parliament in Brussels.

Belgian gov't panel:

Deportation trains 'collective responsibility' of gov't & public

Belgium’s railway should apologize but not pay for sending Jews to Nazi death camps, government panel concludes.

Brussels:

Schools refuse to participate in Holocaust memorial event

Two schools in Anderlecht say they will not participate in the ceremony for Belgian Holocaust victims because they do not wish to impose discussion of the Holocaust on children given the situation in the Middle East.

Belgian haredi MP appointed to new position

Michael Freilich, haredi member of the Belgian parliament and a member of the Antwerp City Council, appointed as diplomatic envoy of European Jewish Association (EJA) for issues of antisemitism and Holocaust remembrance.

Belgium:

Teens attack Jews to free Palestine

Footage with the hashtag '#FreePalestine' shows youth violently assaulting a young religious Jew in the streets of Antwerp.

Israeli President welcomes five new ambassadors to Israel

Israel's President Isaac Herzog receives diplomatic credentials of new ambassadors from Belgium, Slovakia, Switzerland, Sweden, and Papua New Guinea.

Banning Israelis:

Belgium has betrayed the Jews, but it is next

Leon de Winter: "Hamas wanted to convince young people that the massacre of Jews was not a crime, but a consecration of the Prophet and that robbery and rape were permitted means of struggle." Op-ed.

EJA comments:

Removal of antisemitic article 'much too little, much too late'

European Jewish Association comments on Humo magazine's decision to remove author Herman Brusselmans' antisemitic article inciting to murder of Jews, promises lawsuit will continue 'until justice is properly and meaningfully served.'

Belgian author:

Gaza war makes me want to 'ram a sharp knife' into every Jew

A popular Belgian author wrote he wanted to ‘ram a sharp knife’ through every Jew he meets. He says it was satire.

After anti-Israel vandalism

Israeli youth team banned from sports competition

The Israeli U-17 ultimate frisbee team was banned from the European Youth Ultimate Championships in Belgium after the venue where they were scheduled to play was vandalized with anti-Israel graffiti.

Following election results:

Belgian Prime Minister announces resignation

Belgium Prime Minister Alexander De Croo announces his resignation after right-wing parties achieve success in both local elections as well as the elections for the European Parliament.

Belgium:

Jewish PM's campaign signs defaced with swastikas

Signs for Jewish MP Michael Freilich were defaced by unknown suspects. The pro-Israel candidate has been subjected to rampant incitement by anti-Israel elements as elections approach.

French police:

'Suspects in vandalism of Holocaust memorial fled to Belgium'

French prosecutors say three suspects in last week's defacement of the Paris Holocaust memorial were tracked across the border into Belgium.

After Israeli man assaulted:

Israeli Embassy in Belgium files complaint

Israeli Embassy in Belgium files complaint with the Mayor of the city of Bruges, demands the suspect in the attack of 64-year-old Israeli Amnon Ohana be brought to justice.

Watch:

Israeli father and daughter attacked in Belgium

The assailants noticed Amnon Ohana, 64, and his daughter Shira, 29, removing an anti-Israel sticker and attacked the two.