From C14 Europe & Foreign Affairs Correspondent Nati Langermann
The decision in Belgium to press charges against three local mohels in Antwerp has caused the chairman of the European Jewish Association (EJA), Rabbi Menachem Margolin, to issue a statement in which he sadly urges Belgian Jews to emigrate from the country.
The rabbi stated: “The decision by the Belgian prosecutor today to file charges against mohels for performing circumcisions is not merely crossing a red line. It is a clear message to Belgian Jews that they are not welcome in the country, and therefore, with great sadness, we have announced today that Belgian Jews must likely prepare to emigrate from the country.”
Margolin also cited the banning of kosher slaughter as a further example of Belgium undermining religious freedom, as well as the spike in antisemitism in recent years and a lowered sense of security.
U.S. Ambassador to Belgium Bill White told C14: “The issue is that Belgium is causing the world to view it as an antisemitic country. Throughout the investigation, I believed with all my heart that justice would prevail and that the absurd charges against the mohels would be dropped. President Trump is with us in this fight, standing alongside Jewish communities around the world.”
“I view the prosecution of the mohels as a decision rooted in antisemitism. I was not convinced by the Health Minister’s attempts to justify the move. I’ve met many times with the wonderful Jewish community here in Belgium — they are facing a wave of antisemitism, and it must be fought.”
Foreign Minister Gideon Saar responded to the charges on X, stating: “With this act, Belgium joins a short and shameful list, together with Ireland, of countries that use criminal law to prosecute Jews for practicing Judaism.” Saar proceeded to call upon the Belgian authorities to act swiftly and find a solution.