Europe Deploys Soldiers Amid Rise in Antisemitism

Soldiers Guard Jewish Sites as Europe Sees Antisemitism Surge

Governments across Europe are stepping up security for Jewish communities following a series of recent attacks. In Belgium, soldiers have been deployed to patrol streets and guard Jewish sites. This heightened security comes in response to incidents like torched cars in Antwerp and an explosion at a synagogue in Liege. A recent European Union poll found that over half of those surveyed believe antisemitism is a problem in their country.

Antwerp’s Jewish Community Feels the Fear

DW correspondent Christine Mundv reported from Antwerp, a port city in Belgium, where the presence of soldiers on ordinary weekdays highlights the current unease. David, who helps coordinate volunteer night patrols in Antwerp’s Jewish neighborhood, described the experiences of community members. “A lot of shouting. I would say a lot of pestering. People got hit already on the streets,” he said. While not an everyday occurrence, these events have become more frequent in recent years, making the streets feel less safe, especially for children. Young people walking to school or friends’ houses report being shouted at with offensive language, creating deeply uncomfortable situations, particularly after dark.

Historical Roots and Modern Connections

Hostile attitudes towards Jews have a long history in Europe. It is common for Jewish institutions and places linked to Israel to have security measures in place. However, the current rise in antisemitism is also being linked by some to Israeli government policies in Gaza and Iran. Community leaders point out that many people mistakenly equate all Jewish people with the actions of the Israeli government. “Many people who are affected and influenced by the media are seeing images of what Israel is doing in Gaza. I believe that the non-Jewish world sees Israel and Jewish as one, and that’s not necessarily the case,” stated one community leader.

Antwerp: A Historic Jewish Hub

Antwerp boasts one of Europe’s largest Jewish communities, with roots stretching back to the 16th century. This community grew significantly with Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe in the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, a large part of the community is Orthodox, leading some to call Antwerp the “Jerusalem of the North.” Eti, who runs a local kosher grocery store founded by her father 40 years ago, is busy preparing for the upcoming Passover holiday. Her store is a vital part of the community, stocking kosher products from around the world. However, the recent attacks cast a shadow over holiday preparations, with Israel’s National Security Council urging extra caution at Passover events.

Expert Analysis: Antisemitism’s Deep Roots

Professor Bart Wallet from the University of Amsterdam confirmed that the situation in Antwerp is representative of many Jewish communities across Europe. “Many communities are protected both by internal security guards and by national police or even the soldiers,” he explained. “Especially visible Jews and visibly Jewish spaces such as synagogues, Jewish community centers, Jewish schools are endangered in these times.” Professor Wallet agreed that the current wave of antisemitism is a mix of factors. He noted that while antisemitism is a part of European populations, it often flares up during international conflicts in the Middle East. “When there are wars in the Middle East, they also have a direct impact on antisemitism in the form of antisemitic attacks,” he said, referencing past incidents like those in 2015-16 and the current situation involving Iran.

A Cultural Repertoire of Hate

Professor Wallet described antisemitism as a “repertoire which is from late antiquity a part of the cultural memory of many people in Europe.” He explained that during times of conflict and crisis, when people feel a loss of control, they may turn to antisemitic ideas. In this narrative, Jews often symbolize ultimate evil, allowing complex global issues to be simplified by projecting blame onto a clear enemy. “Unfortunately, we see this process time and time again,” he added.

Combating Antisemitism: A Shared Responsibility

Addressing the current wave of antisemitism requires a two-pronged approach: protection and education. While security is essential, Professor Wallet stressed the importance of highlighting Jewish life and contributions to European society. “Jews are not just victims. Jews are not just Israelis, but Jews are also part of European societies, contributing to these societies with a long and rich dynamic tradition which has enriched European culture,” he stated. He emphasized that combating antisemitism is not solely the government’s responsibility. “Every European citizen has something to do here,” Professor Wallet urged. “If you encounter antisemitism, you should stand up and you should protect your local Jews.”

Looking Ahead

As tensions remain high, the focus will be on how governments and citizens work together to counter the rising tide of antisemitism. The upcoming months will be crucial in observing whether increased security measures and public awareness campaigns can effectively protect Jewish communities and foster greater understanding across Europe.

Source: Antisemitism rising in Europe? Inside Antwerp’s Jewish community | DW News (YouTube)