2023-10-12 14:13:00
The approximately 13,000 Belgian nationals living in Israel might be offered, in the coming hours, the possibility of being repatriated to Belgium if they wish. This is one of the measures, still to be refined, which was decided during the meeting Thursday morning between representatives of the Jewish community of Belgium and several members of the federal government, on the 6th day of the escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict following the Hamas terrorist attack on Saturday.
Several airlines still operate commercial flights from Tel Aviv, but authorities are evaluating whether additional flights should be organized in order to repatriate dual nationals who wish to do so. The government is in contact with Brussels Airlines on this subject and details regarding a possible repatriation are expected by the weekend.
Also read Hamas attack in Israel: testimony from a Belgian living in Jerusalem
At the end of the meeting, Prime Minister Alexander De Croo reiterated his support for the Jewish population and the affected families, describing the Hamas terrorist attack as “intolerable”. “It’s barbarism,” he argued. “There will be, in our country, no tolerance for incitement to hatred, violence and the glorification of violence,” he assured alongside Interior Minister Annelies. Verlinden, the Minister of Justice Vincent Van Quickenborne and the Secretary of State for Equal Opportunities, Marie-Colline Leroy.
Faced with the outbreak of violence in the Middle East, the Jewish community fears an increase in anti-Semitic acts in Belgium. Since Saturday, the alert level has been increased around schools and places of worship.
“A contact number within the national crisis center will also be open for any Jewish person wishing to request help,” said Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden. The Minister of Justice Vincent Van Quickenborne, for his part, confirmed that two Jewish people had been attacked on Tuesday evening in Ypres (West Flanders). The perpetrators were able to be identified using video surveillance cameras. “This matter will be treated as a priority,” he assured.
Also read War between Israel and Hamas: Jewish organizations ask Belgian authorities to increase security in certain places
Before the meeting, Regina Sluszny, Holocaust survivor and co-president of the Forum of Flemish Jewish Organizations, stressed that words were not enough, that she expected action from the government. She said she was satisfied at the end of the consultation. His colleague and co-president of the Forum Philippe Scharf, for his part, expressed his concern regarding the security of the Jewish community in Belgium, estimated at some 35,000 people. “We have been informed that all necessary measures will be taken in this regard.”
Philippe Markewicz, president of the Central Israelite Consistory of Belgium, also appeared reassured following the interview. “The government will do what is necessary to ensure the safety of Jews in Belgium,” he said.
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