A serious incident took place yesterday (Wednesday) in Antwerp, where police raided the homes of Jewish mohels and confiscated circumcision tools and knives. Officers demanded information about children who had undergone circumcision over the past year, in violation of local laws that prohibit the practice. The raid was carried out under a court order, issued following a complaint submitted to the local police.
In response to the incident, Deputy Speaker of the Knesset, MK Rabbi Moshe Roth, sent a letter to the Belgian Ambassador to Israel, Mr. Stefaan Thijs, and to Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar.
“One of the most sacred commandments”
In his letter, MK Roth described the raid as “a grave violation of religious freedom and individual rights,” adding: “The ritual of brit milah is one of the most fundamental and sacred commandments in Jewish tradition for thousands of years. Any attempt to infringe upon it is felt as a direct assault on the heart of Jewish identity.”
A red line has been crossed
Roth emphasized that the raid marked a red line being crossed, particularly in light of the recent commemoration of Victory Day over Nazi Germany. “Incidents like this bring back painful memories of the persecution Jews endured in Europe just 80 years ago,” he wrote. Roth called for an immediate review of the incident, the return of the confiscated circumcision instruments to their rightful owners, and a firm guarantee of full protection for religious freedom in Belgium.
European Jewish groups condemn the raid
The European Jewish Association condemned the police action in Antwerp, calling it yet another red line crossed against Jewish religious figures in the country. “Following the ban on kosher slaughter, the intimidation of mohels is a clear warning signal to Belgian Jews and to the Belgian government. Religious freedom must be protected,” the organization stated.
Institutional persecution
The League for Action and Defense Against Antisemitism in Europe also voiced concern over the developments, stating: “Since World War II, there has not been such institutionalized persecution by law enforcement authorities against Jews observing their religious practices. The authorities must ensure the physical and spiritual safety of their Jewish citizens—not become another force threatening the continuation of Jewish life in Europe.”
