Belgian Prime Minister Assures Jewish Community: “I Will Be Your Envoy to Combat Anti-Semitism”

The Belgian Prime Minister recently met with Jewish community leaders amid growing concerns over potential attacks on Jewish communities in Europe. A central focus of the discussions was the proposed appointment of a special envoy to combat anti-Semitism.

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever recently dedicated time from his demanding schedule to meet with a broad representation of Jewish organizations.

He held extensive discussions with leaders of the religiously observant communities, as well as with representatives of prominent Jewish umbrella organizations, including the FJO, CCOJB, and JID.

The meetings addressed a wide array of issues currently affecting the Jewish community, with a particular focus on the alarming rise in anti-Semitism and the increasingly hostile environment confronting many community members.

In recent weeks, amid an elevated threat level and growing concerns regarding potential attacks against Jewish communities across Europe, the Belgian government has deployed military personnel to stand guard outside Jewish institutions.

Michael Freilich, a Jewish member of the Belgian parliament and a special envoy for the European Jewish Association (EJA), attended the meeting alongside the Prime Minister. He noted the significance of the visit, stating: “Even in difficult times, it is heartening to see that the country’s most senior political leader is personally committed to the future of his Jewish citizens.”

A primary issue on the agenda was the potential appointment of a special governmental envoy dedicated to combating anti-Semitism—a proposal that still requires a consensus among the government’s coalition partners. Addressing this interim period, the Prime Minister declared: “Until then, I will be your envoy to combat anti-Semitism!”

This supportive statement was met with widespread agreement and appreciation by those in attendance.

Concluding the meeting, the Prime Minister confirmed his acceptance of an invitation to deliver the keynote address at the annual memorial ceremony commemorating the deportation of the Jewish community during the Holocaust. The event is scheduled to take place in Antwerp on May 6.