The Belgian Jewish community did express to the press that they are not afraid, but they do appreciate the extra vigilance of the Belgian government.
Jewish communal officials in Europe anticipate that the fighting in Israel will ignite antisemitic threats in their communities. Police have increased surveillance around synagogues, Jewish schools and other institutions in Germany, Britain, France and Spain.
In Germany the fighting in Israel and Gaza triggered “great uncertainty” by the local community, with parents asking for detailed information about the security measures in kindergartens and schools.
In London, there have been already several incidents. Daniel Sugarman, Director of Public Affairs for the Board of Deputies of British Jews, worried the fighting in Israel would set off hate in his community.
The Community Security Trust (CST), a charity dedicated to security for British Jews, reported an increase in antisemitic abuse and threats over the past few days, and said it was prepared for more serious attacks.
“The number of incidents that have come in since last Saturday is running at roughly triple what we would normally expect for this period,”
said Dave Rich, head of policy at the CST.
Mayor Sadiq Khan condemned the London incidents, saying he stood with Jewish Londoners and the culprits would
“face the full force of the law.”
In France, which has the largest Jewish population in Europe, there has been a spike in incidents over three days which was “dramatic”. Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin announced on Monday that security measures in 400 Jewish gathering places across France were reinforced. As a sign of solidarity with Israel, the Eiffel Tower was lit in white and blue, the colours of the Israeli flag, on Monday night.
Rabbi Yves Marciano of Paris’ Les Tournelles Synagogue said that while bolstered security around places of worship was helpful, the risk to individuals is often greatest when they are not at synagogue.
In Spain, the Spanish interior ministry has also bolstered police surveillance around synagogues and Jewish landmarks, according to Isaac Benzaquén Pinto, president of the Jewish federation. There are an estimated 12,000-15,000 Jews living in Madrid.
Jeshuaisten / Jeshuaists 