Belgium’s Prime Minister Responds to Anti-Semitism Accusations

On Wednesday, Belgium’s prime minister, Bart de Weber, pushed back against claims of anti-Semitism, particularly in light of comments from U.S. Ambassador Bill White. Tensions arose after Antwerp prosecutors filed charges against two Jewish ritual circumcisers. De Weber stated, “Belgium is not an anti-Semitic country. That is nonsense,” emphasizing the importance of restraint in such matters. He cautioned that the case might not progress to trial, labeling controversy as a “bad idea.”

Ambassador White criticized the prosecution, calling it a “shameful stain on Belgium” and warned that it could tarnish the country’s international reputation. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar referred to the event as a “scarlet letter” on Belgian society. Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévost responded to White’s remarks, deeming them “defamatory,” and highlighted that the investigation stemmed from complaints within the Jewish community itself.

The allegations originated from Rabbi Moshe Arieh Friedman, a controversial figure known for anti-Zionist views and accusations of Holocaust denial. His filing claimed that six mohels endangered infants through a particular ritual, a claim the accused mohels deny. White remarked that one of those facing charges is American.

The Antwerp public prosecutor’s office officially charged the two mohels with “premeditated assault or physical harm to minors and unlawful medical treatment.” In February, Belgium had summoned White after he expressed that “anti-Semitism is unacceptable,” urging the nation to “enter the 21st century.”

Recent months have seen real threats against Belgium’s Jewish community, including a bombing at a synagogue in Liège labeled anti-Semitic. As of now, a pre-trial court is set to determine on June 18 whether the mohel case will proceed to trial. De Weber made his comments prior to the 81st commemoration of the Allied Victory over Nazi Germany held in Antwerp.