Belgian Jewish Community Worried About Security

It appears that the Belgian government is scaling back the security measures and personnel assigned to protect Jewish institutions in cities like Brussels and Antwerp. As of September 1, Belgian soldiers will be withdrawn from security duty at Jewish locations. The Jewish community in Belgium is concerned. They expressed their concern in a meeting with Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden, who has announced the withdrawal. With the crisis in Afghanistan and the prospect of large numbers of Afghan refugees arriving in the country, the dangers can only increase.

The below article from the Belgian Jewish site (in Dutch), Joods Actueel, is translated by Fousesquawk.

 https://joodsactueel.be/2021/08/24/fjo-diep-ongerust-over-veiligheid-in-joodse-buurt/

FJO "deeply worried" over security in Jewish neighborhood

24 August 2021

Caption beneath photo: Minister Verlinden by visit to Jewish Forum

As a result of the withdrawal of the soldiers from the Jewish neighborhood set for  September 1, the Forum of Jewish Organizations met with Interior Minster Annelies Verlinden

The minister confirmed during the meeting that there would be no federal police, nor extra resources for local forces made available for the security of Jewish institutions.

In the Parliament, however, the minister had announced "no expense would be spared", and she had also confirmed that the Jewish community was under a heightened terror level.

In a reaction, the Jewish Forum  states:

"The Jewish community expressed its deep worry and pointed out that during the meeting with the minister that the government has the duty to provide for the security of citizens and that this should not become a plaything of a political controversy between the local and federal governments.

It was also pointed out again the need for personnel support in the buildings that must be protected. The upgrade in constant protection has been discussed with the government for years.

In light of the fact that  Jewish holidays take place in the month of September, the FJO insists on adequate protection." 

The minister and the Jewish Forum promised to meet again in October.