Sunday, May 17, 2009
Muslims invade Sweden and Jew-hatred rises
Jews Leaving Malmo, Sweden
by Yated Ne'eman Staff
20 Iyar 5769 - May 14, 2009
http://chareidi.shemayisrael.com/amalmobhr69.htm
Jewish out-migration is on the rise in Malmo, Sweden's third largest city. One-third of the southern port city are Muslims, forming a population group that has created a considerable challenge due to their reluctance to integrate and adopt local norms. In Stockholm, Sweden's largest city, the population is 20% Muslim.
In recent years Malmo has become a symbol of intolerance toward Jews. The situation worsened significantly following the recent war in Gaza and continued to deteriorate following the protests against allowing Israeli tennis players to participate in Davis Cup matches held in the city.
In recent interviews, young members of the local Jewish community, which currently numbers 900, said Jewish residents feel they would be better off leaving the city than being subject to harassment and threats by Muslims.
"We're leaving," one young Jew declared during an interview on a news program at a local radio station. "It's not a question of if but when, and maybe not just Malmo, but Sweden, too."
The Jewish community is not only disappointed by its treatment by the Muslim neighbors. That would have been bearable, they said, since they expect the situation to improve in the future. Rather they are more disappointed by city leaders, who are largely dependent on the Muslim vote.
It was the mayor of this traditionally working-class city, socialist Ilmar Reepalu, who justified the criticism of Israel during the recent Davis Cup protests, saying the city must display solidarity toward Palestinian residents whose relatives were affected by the war. Yet the protesters in Malmo demonstrated not only against Israel, but against the Jews as well. The Judisk Kronika ("Jewish Chronicle") recently published a transcript from one of the demonstrations where calls to wipe out the Jews were clearly audible. "It's unfortunate such shouts are heard, but they are not from Palestinians, but from members of neo-Nazi organizations," said Mayor Reepalu, choosing to totally overlook the city's Jewish-Muslim tensions.
The Muslim population is a source of problems elsewhere in Sweden, whose non-Muslim citizens are also largely unfriendly towards Israel and Swedish Jews. Growing public support for the Social Democratic Party (SAP), which is highly critical of Israel, has boosted Party Chairman Mona Sahlin, known for her extreme views against Israel.
"I don't want to be among those who didn't leave the city on time," another young Jew said during the radio program. "The situation in Malmo today might not be quite the same as what was happening in Germany during the 1930s. There, too, many people fled the rising wave of hatred, but many other stayed and were washed away. I don't want to be one of them," he said cryptically.
Not all Scandinavian Muslims are hostile toward Jews and not all of the Jews are packing their bags to leave. Just 40 miles away in Copenhagen the atmosphere is totally different. But the sense of fear and uncertainty palpable in Malmo is liable to reach epidemic proportions if left unchecked, and today Sweden has no leader brave enough to step forward and take a firm stand.
by Yated Ne'eman Staff
20 Iyar 5769 - May 14, 2009
http://chareidi.shemayisrael.com/amalmobhr69.htm
Jewish out-migration is on the rise in Malmo, Sweden's third largest city. One-third of the southern port city are Muslims, forming a population group that has created a considerable challenge due to their reluctance to integrate and adopt local norms. In Stockholm, Sweden's largest city, the population is 20% Muslim.
In recent years Malmo has become a symbol of intolerance toward Jews. The situation worsened significantly following the recent war in Gaza and continued to deteriorate following the protests against allowing Israeli tennis players to participate in Davis Cup matches held in the city.
In recent interviews, young members of the local Jewish community, which currently numbers 900, said Jewish residents feel they would be better off leaving the city than being subject to harassment and threats by Muslims.
"We're leaving," one young Jew declared during an interview on a news program at a local radio station. "It's not a question of if but when, and maybe not just Malmo, but Sweden, too."
The Jewish community is not only disappointed by its treatment by the Muslim neighbors. That would have been bearable, they said, since they expect the situation to improve in the future. Rather they are more disappointed by city leaders, who are largely dependent on the Muslim vote.
It was the mayor of this traditionally working-class city, socialist Ilmar Reepalu, who justified the criticism of Israel during the recent Davis Cup protests, saying the city must display solidarity toward Palestinian residents whose relatives were affected by the war. Yet the protesters in Malmo demonstrated not only against Israel, but against the Jews as well. The Judisk Kronika ("Jewish Chronicle") recently published a transcript from one of the demonstrations where calls to wipe out the Jews were clearly audible. "It's unfortunate such shouts are heard, but they are not from Palestinians, but from members of neo-Nazi organizations," said Mayor Reepalu, choosing to totally overlook the city's Jewish-Muslim tensions.
The Muslim population is a source of problems elsewhere in Sweden, whose non-Muslim citizens are also largely unfriendly towards Israel and Swedish Jews. Growing public support for the Social Democratic Party (SAP), which is highly critical of Israel, has boosted Party Chairman Mona Sahlin, known for her extreme views against Israel.
"I don't want to be among those who didn't leave the city on time," another young Jew said during the radio program. "The situation in Malmo today might not be quite the same as what was happening in Germany during the 1930s. There, too, many people fled the rising wave of hatred, but many other stayed and were washed away. I don't want to be one of them," he said cryptically.
Not all Scandinavian Muslims are hostile toward Jews and not all of the Jews are packing their bags to leave. Just 40 miles away in Copenhagen the atmosphere is totally different. But the sense of fear and uncertainty palpable in Malmo is liable to reach epidemic proportions if left unchecked, and today Sweden has no leader brave enough to step forward and take a firm stand.
Labels: Antisemitism in Sweden, Europe, European Anti-Semitism, Islamic antisemitism, Muslims, Palestinian antisemitism, Sweden, Swedish antisemitism, Swedish society
Monday, May 11, 2009
Austrian hotel bars Jews (in 2009)
'No Jews' policy employed at Austria hotel
By DPA
10/05/2009
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1084458.html
A hotel in the Austrian region of Tyrol that said it does not accept Jewish guests has caused shock in the local media and tourism industry, the daily Tiroler Tageszeitung reported Sunday.
A Vienna family of seven had had tried to make a reservation at the Haus Sonnenhof apartment hotel in the village of Serfaus, but the owner replied by e-mail that although the room was free, she did not want to take in Jewish guests because of "bad experiences" in the past.
The region around Serfaus has become popular among orthodox Jewish tourists in recent years, and several hotels in Tyrol have begun offering kosher food.
At Hotel Alpenruh-Micheluzzi, owner Petra Micheluzzi told the German Press Agency DPA that the rejection by the Sonnenhof was "bad for the image" of Serfaus.
One such incident could destroy all the hard work by others in the travel industry, she said, a view echoed by local and regional tourism officials.
"That's terrible," said Esther Fritsch, the president of the regional Jewish community. So far there have been no such incidents, she told the newspaper.
Irmgard Monz, the owner of the Haus Sonnenhof apartment hotel, could not be reached for comment on Sunday. In an interview with Tiroler Tageszeitung, she offered no justification for her e-mail.
For his part, the rejected father of five has decided to spend the
summer elsewhere: "I don't want to spend my vacation in such a racist
nest, and I will inform all my friends about what is going on in
Tyrol," the unidentified man was quoted as saying.
By DPA
10/05/2009
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1084458.html
A hotel in the Austrian region of Tyrol that said it does not accept Jewish guests has caused shock in the local media and tourism industry, the daily Tiroler Tageszeitung reported Sunday.
A Vienna family of seven had had tried to make a reservation at the Haus Sonnenhof apartment hotel in the village of Serfaus, but the owner replied by e-mail that although the room was free, she did not want to take in Jewish guests because of "bad experiences" in the past.
The region around Serfaus has become popular among orthodox Jewish tourists in recent years, and several hotels in Tyrol have begun offering kosher food.
At Hotel Alpenruh-Micheluzzi, owner Petra Micheluzzi told the German Press Agency DPA that the rejection by the Sonnenhof was "bad for the image" of Serfaus.
One such incident could destroy all the hard work by others in the travel industry, she said, a view echoed by local and regional tourism officials.
"That's terrible," said Esther Fritsch, the president of the regional Jewish community. So far there have been no such incidents, she told the newspaper.
Irmgard Monz, the owner of the Haus Sonnenhof apartment hotel, could not be reached for comment on Sunday. In an interview with Tiroler Tageszeitung, she offered no justification for her e-mail.
For his part, the rejected father of five has decided to spend the
summer elsewhere: "I don't want to spend my vacation in such a racist
nest, and I will inform all my friends about what is going on in
Tyrol," the unidentified man was quoted as saying.
Labels: Anti-Semitism, Antisemitism in Austria, Austrian antisemitism, European Anti-Semitism
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Antisemitism in Belgium
Death Threats In Antwerp Cause Jewish And Muslim Leaders To Call For Peace
Jan 06, 2009
http://hamercaz.com/hamercaz/site/news_item.php?id=3257
"Antwerp, Belgium -- The Jewish community in Antwerp has received about a dozen death threats over recent days. They appeared on the website of the Jewish monthly magazine Joods Actueel.
Joods Actueel also received death threats by an anonymous man who claims to be willing to sacrifice himself to avenge the suffering of the Palestinians in Gaza. He threatened a suicide attack: "You are not safe. I know where to find you. Child by child," reads the menacing message with a slew of anti-Semitic slurs.
The editor-in-chief of Joods Actueel, Michael Frellich, was not planning to make the threats public at first. He changed his mind though after the arson attempt on the home of a Jewish family in Antwerp yesterday.
Unknown persons shoved rags with lighter fluid through the mailbox of a Jewish family home and tried to light it. Luckily the fire did not catch on. The incident has been confirmed by the Antwerp public prosecutor's office.
The perpetrators have not yet been identified, but the police are investigating clues. The Antwerp police are stepping up patrols in the Jewish neighborhoods in Antwerp.
Freilich is attempting to join hands with the Muslim community in Antwerp to call for peace. He and Hicham El Mzairh, a Muslim member of the Flemish liberal party differ in their opinions on the conflict in the Middle East but they stress that protest here is not a solution. They held a joint press conference, both calling on their communities to restore peace and calm in Antwerp.
"What we both share is our concern as inhabitants of Antwerp. We think it's not good to import the conflict here. Unrest here will not help the suffering of the people in a dramatic situation in Gaza," says Hicham El Mzairh.
"Our first aim is show people that the Muslim community and the Jewish community co-exist peacefully here. We have a lot in common - we are all Flemish, we are all Antwerp inhabitants, on a lot of other issues too we have common ground - and it's important to stress this," says Michael Freilich."
----
Vandals Set Belgian Synagogue On Fire
Jan 06, 2009
http://hamercaz.com/hamercaz/site/news_item.php?id=3270
"Brussels, Belgium -- In the latest of a string of anti-Semitic incidents aimed at Belgian Jews, unknown people attempted to set fire to the Beth Hillel Reform synagogue in southern Brussels using paper and petrol as accelerants.
“The fire set to the door of the synagogue was rapidly extinguished after police intervened,” a police spokeswoman said Tuesday.
A Belgian government spokesman said security forces were taking additional precautions as street protests against Israel's operation in Gaza grow in size and in anger.
"We note that the situation is becoming more explosive," he said. "Police patrols in Antwerp, Brussels and Uccle, where the Israeli embassy is located, have been reinforced, as well as around buildings housing Jewish institutions."
In a statement, CCOJB, the umbrella representative body of Jewish organizations in Belgium, expressed its deep concern about the surge of anti-Semitic acts reported over the last days. It called for a meeting with the Belgian authorities to discuss the government’s response to the situation."
----
Unknown assailants set fire to the door of Brussels synagogue
by: Maud Swinnen
European Jewish Press
Updated: 06/Jan/2009
http://www.ejpress.org/article/33379
"BRUSSELS (EJP)---Unknown people attempted to set fire to the Beth Hillel Liberal synagogue in southern Brussels using paper and petrol as accelerants, a police spokeswoman said Tuesday.
“The fire set to the door of the synagogue was rapidly extinguished after police intervened,” Fany Wellens said.
A Belgian government spokesman said security forces were taking precautions as street protests against Israel's operation in Gaza grow in size and in anger.
"We note that the situation is becoming more explosive," he said.
Scuffles broke out last week following a pro-Palestinian march in the northern city of Antwerp, which has large Jewish and Muslim communities.
Police forces have been put on high alert in the country.
"Police patrols in Antwerp, Brussels and Uccle, where the Israeli embassy is located, have been reinforced, as well as around buildings housing Jewish institutions,” the government said.
In a statement, CCOJB, the umbrella representative body of Jewish organizations in Belgium, expressed its deep concern about the surge of anti-Semitic acts reported over the last days. It called for a meeting with the Belgian authorities to discuss the government’s response to the situation.
The group said the “partial analysis by political, media and association leaders of the Mideast events developments “contributed to import the conflict in our country".”
----
French and Belgian Jews concerned about growing number of anti-Semitic acts in wake of Gaza events
by: Maud Swinnen
European Jewish Press
Updated: 06/Jan/2009
http://www.ejpress.org/article/33350
"PARIS/ANTWERP (EJP)---Concern is growing in Jewish communities in France and Belgium following a spate of anti-Semitic incidents in the wake of the conflict in the Gaza Strip.
The National Bureau of Vigilance Against Anti-Semitism (BNVCA) reported that in Paris and several other French cities, Jews have been targeted since the beginning of Israel’s military operation.
Attackers launched two cars packed with petrol bombs at a synagogue in south-western city of Toulouse, Monday night, causing damage but no casualties. One car was set on fire and pushed by the other until it hit the door of the synagogue, at a time when about a dozen people were attending a class with a rabbi. The building caught fire but all those inside escaped unharmed.
Police found unexploded petrol bombs inside the second car, which did not catch fire. They said they were investigating the attack and had not made any arrests.
"Nobody was hurt in the blaze which has not been claimed," said Anne-Gaelle
Baudouin-Clerc, spokeswoman for the district prefecture.
“We consider that incitement to hatred of Israel from those who take part in anti-Israeli demonstrations as the cause of the anti-Jewish crimes,” Samy Ghozlan, head of the National Bureau for Vigilance against Anti-Semitism said.
Pro-Palestinian rallies have been held in several French cities since Israel began its operation.
“The conflict between Israel and Hamas is exploited by some extremists who support the Islamist-terrorist Hamas under the pretext of supporting the Palestinian people. They express hatred against Israel which leads to anti-Jewish acts like in 2000 after the beginning of the second Intifada,” he added.
The BNVCA also reported that a rabbi’s car was vandalized and anti-Jewish graffiti painted on the wall of a shopping center.
French Interior Minister Michele Alliot-Marie, who called the attack against the Toulouse synagogue "stupid and revolting," met Monday with leaders of France's Jewish and Muslim communities and security chiefs to deliver a message that the Gaza Strip conflict should not lead to violent acts in France.
France has Europe’s largest Jewish and Muslim communities.
Leila Shahid, the Palestinian representative to the European Union, had no doubt that Monday's attack in Toulouse was linked to rising anger among France's five million Muslims at news coming from the conflict. "Look at the awful incident yesterday in Toulouse with this car rammed into a place of worship, which is unacceptable, but a result of images from Gaza," she told Radio Monte Carlo radio.
Richard Prasquier, head of CRIF, the umbrella representative body of Jewish organizations in France, told Le Figaro newspaper that the aggressive behaviour by some protesters at pro-Palestinian rallies had worried him.
'We must really not import the conflict here. It must not, it cannot happen,' Richard Prasquier, who attended the meeting with the minister, said.
In Belgium, too, the Gaza events and protest demonstrations against Israel’s operation prompted a wave of anti-Semitic acts, rising fear in the Jewish community.
Last week, unknown attackers attempted to torch the house of a Jewish Orthodox family in Borgerhout, a suburb of the city of Antwerp where around 18,000 Jews live. An eyewitness who resides nearby alerted the police to the place and they managed to extinguish the flames before the house caught fire.
In Britain, a spokesman for a group that monitors anti-Semitic attacks said violence against Jews and their property was running at four times the normal level since the Gaza campaign began. "Over the last week, we've now seen over 20, perhaps 25, anti-Semitic incidents that appear to be related to the violence in Gaza and southern Israel," said Mark Gardner, of the Community Security Trust (CST).
On Saturday, during a large demonstration in the centre of the city by Muslims and left-wing activists against Israel and in support of Hamas, protesters set Israeli flags aflame, vandalized a Chabad Chanukah menorah and sprayed swastikas and hate graffiti on Jewish-owned shops.
According to Jewish monthly “Joods Actueel”, several members of the Jewish community received death threats from an anonymous man who claimed to be willing to sacrifice himself to avenge the suffering of the Palestinians in Gaza. They appeared on the website of the magazine.
The man threatened a suicide attack: "You are not safe. I know where to find you. Child by child," reads the message with a slew of anti-Semitic slurs .
Michael Freilich, the weekly’s chief editor, and Hicham El Mzairh, a local politician of Moroccan origin, made a joint appeal for calm and peace in Antwerp.
"Our first aim is to show people that the Muslim community and the Jewish community co-exist peacefully here and that it is important to maintain good relations,” they said during a press conference.
The Belgian Jewish community is planning a large demonstration in support of Israel and “for a real peace in the Middle East” Wednesday in front of the embassy of Iran in Brussels.
Iran is considered as the main sponsor of Hamas, the Islamist movement which controls the Gaza Strip."
----
Belgian Public Broadcaster Under Fire For Offensive Holocaust Jokes
Dec 25, 2008
http://hamercaz.com/hamercaz/site/news_item.php?id=2996
"Belgium -- Jewish groups have condemned a Belgian public broadcaster for airing a show in which a comedian jokes about the Holocaust and the persecution of Jews.
On Oct. 27, the VRT broadcaster was forced to cancel a TV cooking show about Adolf Hitler's supposed favorite dish — alpine trout in butter sauce — as part of a series about famous people's favorite foods [see story HERE].
In the 2008 review show, which aired Dec. 21 and is available on the VRT web site, comedian Philippe Geubels accused Belgians Jews of overreacting to the food show.
"What are they going to do if there is a big gas leak in Antwerp?" asked Geubels, referring to the Belgian city which has a large Jewish community. "Take the city to court for provocation? Preemptively file charges against anyone who dares joke about that?"
Geubels also said the Holocaust cannot happen again because "Jews are much smarter now."
"They have spread across the world. Try rounding them up! Most are in America so you cannot send them by train to Germany" to die in gas chambers.
The CCOJB, a Jewish umbrella organization, said it planned legal steps against the VRT for its "multiplication of anti-Semitic provocations disguised as humor." It also asked the government of Belgium, which is responsible for the VRT, to act against those responsible for the broadcast.
"What a comedian does is up to him, but the VRT decides to include it in the show. At that point, the question can be asked, is this the task of a public broadcaster?" asked Michael Freilich, the head of the Jewish group Joods Actueel.
The VRT also came under criticism recently for an ad about a travel show focusing on Berlin. The ad featured the show’s host wearing a swastika armband and a Hitler mustache, giving the Nazi salute in front of a swastika flag."
----
Hezbollah To Speak At Belgian Parliament
Dec 16, 2008
http://hamercaz.com/hamercaz/site/news_item.php?id=2775
"Brussels, Belgium -- Representatives of Hezbollah are scheduled to speak in the conference hall of the Belgian Parliament.
The Hezbollah representatives and the manager of the terrorist organization's Al Manar TV will address a symposium on Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.
The CCOJB, which represents Jewish secular organizations in Brussels, and the Forum of Jewish organizations in Antwerp are organizing a protest, sources say.
The conference has nothing to do with the Belgian government, but is sponsored by the International Union of Parliamentarians for Palestine. It reportedly was organized by Fouad Lahssaini, a Belgian parliamentarian from the Ecolo Green Party who requested the use of the room last month and received approval on Dec. 9.
The articles of association of the International Union of Parliamentarians for Palestine refer to Israel as "the Zionist entity" and calls for its "expulsion ... from international institutions."
The Belgian Parliament is not endorsing the event, sources report.
The American Jewish Committee condemned the parliament's willingness to turn a blind eye to the speech in their seat of government.
"Hezbollah has the blood of thousands of American, French, Israeli, Lebanese and other citizens on its hands. It is simply disgraceful that Hezbollah officials were permitted to address a meeting in the parliament building of a leading European democracy," said AJC Executive Director David A. Harris."
----
Belgian Ad Featuring Hitler Outrages Jewish Groups
Nov 24, 2008
http://hamercaz.com/hamercaz/site/news_item.php?id=2304
"Belgium -- An advertisement for a Belgian travel show features an image of Hitler.
The show with the offensive ad is part of a public broadcast channel that recently canceled a cooking show on Adolf Hitler’s favorite meal. The planned show outraged Jewish groups across the country [full story HERE].
The ad, featuring a caricature of the travel show’s host wearing a swastika armband and a Hitler mustache, was published in a national magazine.
The channel belongs to the Flemish broadcaster VRT.
"They obviously weren’t happy with our response [to the cooking show], so [they] have added Hitler for no obvious reason other than getting attention and angering the Jewish community and the 15,000 Belgian non-Jews who were deported during World War II," Michael Freilich, the editor of the Antwerp Jewish weekly newspaper Joods Actueel, said. "The Jewish community is furious. Some are even considering whether they want to live here"."
----
Belgian Jews Outraged At TV Show Featuring "Hitler's Favorite Meal"
Oct 27, 2008
http://www.hamercaz.com/hamercaz/site/news_item.php?id=1767
"Berchtesgaden, Bavaria -- A Belgian television show will prepare Adolf Hitler's favorite meal on the air. Television chef Jerien Meus of the VRT station reportedly plans to prepare the meal, which includes trout in butter sauce, at Berchtesgaden in Bavaria, the former site of Hitler's "Eagle's Nest" alpine headquarters and now a tourist attraction and museum.
Meus, 30, reportedly catches the fish himself and prepares it on "Favorite Dish," which is scheduled to air Tuesday. Meus on past programs has explored the culinary preferences of other celebrities.
The act has angered Belgian Jewish community and survivor groups.
Michael Freilich, the editor-in-chief of the Antwerp Jewish paper Joods Actueel, deplored the show as a "banalization" of Hitler and called Meus "naive" about the dictator's crimes against humanity. Associations representing Belgian deportees and former political prisoners also have voiced dismay.
Jan Stevens, the director of the Canvas broadcasting company, told the French press agency that he hoped the show would lead to a "better understanding of the dictator," but he also apologized in advance for any hurt feelings.
Neo-Nazi Web sites reportedly are spreading the word about the show."
----
Antwerp Jews Warned Of Terror Threat
Oct 12, 2008
http://hamercaz.com/hamercaz/site/news_item.php?id=1681
"Antwerp, Belgium -- Police met with leaders of Antwerp's Jewish community last week to alert the community of the possibility of a terror attack.
Police officials said they have received a number of threats directed at Antwerp's Jewish institutions. Just last week, police said, they arrested two suspicious Palestinian individuals who were parked across from an assisted living facility for the elderly.
Potential attackers are familiar with the Zmanei Tefillah of local Shuls, police officials warned, as well as the times and locations of various events planned for the Yomim Tovim.
Last Shabbos, Gabbaim passed on the message in local Shuls, warning members of the community to be especially cautious and alert due to to this serious threat.
Police have increased patrols around local Jewish institutions and set up barriers to prevent parking around the Shuls."
Jan 06, 2009
http://hamercaz.com/hamercaz/site/news_item.php?id=3257
"Antwerp, Belgium -- The Jewish community in Antwerp has received about a dozen death threats over recent days. They appeared on the website of the Jewish monthly magazine Joods Actueel.
Joods Actueel also received death threats by an anonymous man who claims to be willing to sacrifice himself to avenge the suffering of the Palestinians in Gaza. He threatened a suicide attack: "You are not safe. I know where to find you. Child by child," reads the menacing message with a slew of anti-Semitic slurs.
The editor-in-chief of Joods Actueel, Michael Frellich, was not planning to make the threats public at first. He changed his mind though after the arson attempt on the home of a Jewish family in Antwerp yesterday.
Unknown persons shoved rags with lighter fluid through the mailbox of a Jewish family home and tried to light it. Luckily the fire did not catch on. The incident has been confirmed by the Antwerp public prosecutor's office.
The perpetrators have not yet been identified, but the police are investigating clues. The Antwerp police are stepping up patrols in the Jewish neighborhoods in Antwerp.
Freilich is attempting to join hands with the Muslim community in Antwerp to call for peace. He and Hicham El Mzairh, a Muslim member of the Flemish liberal party differ in their opinions on the conflict in the Middle East but they stress that protest here is not a solution. They held a joint press conference, both calling on their communities to restore peace and calm in Antwerp.
"What we both share is our concern as inhabitants of Antwerp. We think it's not good to import the conflict here. Unrest here will not help the suffering of the people in a dramatic situation in Gaza," says Hicham El Mzairh.
"Our first aim is show people that the Muslim community and the Jewish community co-exist peacefully here. We have a lot in common - we are all Flemish, we are all Antwerp inhabitants, on a lot of other issues too we have common ground - and it's important to stress this," says Michael Freilich."
----
Vandals Set Belgian Synagogue On Fire
Jan 06, 2009
http://hamercaz.com/hamercaz/site/news_item.php?id=3270
"Brussels, Belgium -- In the latest of a string of anti-Semitic incidents aimed at Belgian Jews, unknown people attempted to set fire to the Beth Hillel Reform synagogue in southern Brussels using paper and petrol as accelerants.
“The fire set to the door of the synagogue was rapidly extinguished after police intervened,” a police spokeswoman said Tuesday.
A Belgian government spokesman said security forces were taking additional precautions as street protests against Israel's operation in Gaza grow in size and in anger.
"We note that the situation is becoming more explosive," he said. "Police patrols in Antwerp, Brussels and Uccle, where the Israeli embassy is located, have been reinforced, as well as around buildings housing Jewish institutions."
In a statement, CCOJB, the umbrella representative body of Jewish organizations in Belgium, expressed its deep concern about the surge of anti-Semitic acts reported over the last days. It called for a meeting with the Belgian authorities to discuss the government’s response to the situation."
----
Unknown assailants set fire to the door of Brussels synagogue
by: Maud Swinnen
European Jewish Press
Updated: 06/Jan/2009
http://www.ejpress.org/article/33379
"BRUSSELS (EJP)---Unknown people attempted to set fire to the Beth Hillel Liberal synagogue in southern Brussels using paper and petrol as accelerants, a police spokeswoman said Tuesday.
“The fire set to the door of the synagogue was rapidly extinguished after police intervened,” Fany Wellens said.
A Belgian government spokesman said security forces were taking precautions as street protests against Israel's operation in Gaza grow in size and in anger.
"We note that the situation is becoming more explosive," he said.
Scuffles broke out last week following a pro-Palestinian march in the northern city of Antwerp, which has large Jewish and Muslim communities.
Police forces have been put on high alert in the country.
"Police patrols in Antwerp, Brussels and Uccle, where the Israeli embassy is located, have been reinforced, as well as around buildings housing Jewish institutions,” the government said.
In a statement, CCOJB, the umbrella representative body of Jewish organizations in Belgium, expressed its deep concern about the surge of anti-Semitic acts reported over the last days. It called for a meeting with the Belgian authorities to discuss the government’s response to the situation.
The group said the “partial analysis by political, media and association leaders of the Mideast events developments “contributed to import the conflict in our country".”
----
French and Belgian Jews concerned about growing number of anti-Semitic acts in wake of Gaza events
by: Maud Swinnen
European Jewish Press
Updated: 06/Jan/2009
http://www.ejpress.org/article/33350
"PARIS/ANTWERP (EJP)---Concern is growing in Jewish communities in France and Belgium following a spate of anti-Semitic incidents in the wake of the conflict in the Gaza Strip.
The National Bureau of Vigilance Against Anti-Semitism (BNVCA) reported that in Paris and several other French cities, Jews have been targeted since the beginning of Israel’s military operation.
Attackers launched two cars packed with petrol bombs at a synagogue in south-western city of Toulouse, Monday night, causing damage but no casualties. One car was set on fire and pushed by the other until it hit the door of the synagogue, at a time when about a dozen people were attending a class with a rabbi. The building caught fire but all those inside escaped unharmed.
Police found unexploded petrol bombs inside the second car, which did not catch fire. They said they were investigating the attack and had not made any arrests.
"Nobody was hurt in the blaze which has not been claimed," said Anne-Gaelle
Baudouin-Clerc, spokeswoman for the district prefecture.
“We consider that incitement to hatred of Israel from those who take part in anti-Israeli demonstrations as the cause of the anti-Jewish crimes,” Samy Ghozlan, head of the National Bureau for Vigilance against Anti-Semitism said.
Pro-Palestinian rallies have been held in several French cities since Israel began its operation.
“The conflict between Israel and Hamas is exploited by some extremists who support the Islamist-terrorist Hamas under the pretext of supporting the Palestinian people. They express hatred against Israel which leads to anti-Jewish acts like in 2000 after the beginning of the second Intifada,” he added.
The BNVCA also reported that a rabbi’s car was vandalized and anti-Jewish graffiti painted on the wall of a shopping center.
French Interior Minister Michele Alliot-Marie, who called the attack against the Toulouse synagogue "stupid and revolting," met Monday with leaders of France's Jewish and Muslim communities and security chiefs to deliver a message that the Gaza Strip conflict should not lead to violent acts in France.
France has Europe’s largest Jewish and Muslim communities.
Leila Shahid, the Palestinian representative to the European Union, had no doubt that Monday's attack in Toulouse was linked to rising anger among France's five million Muslims at news coming from the conflict. "Look at the awful incident yesterday in Toulouse with this car rammed into a place of worship, which is unacceptable, but a result of images from Gaza," she told Radio Monte Carlo radio.
Richard Prasquier, head of CRIF, the umbrella representative body of Jewish organizations in France, told Le Figaro newspaper that the aggressive behaviour by some protesters at pro-Palestinian rallies had worried him.
'We must really not import the conflict here. It must not, it cannot happen,' Richard Prasquier, who attended the meeting with the minister, said.
In Belgium, too, the Gaza events and protest demonstrations against Israel’s operation prompted a wave of anti-Semitic acts, rising fear in the Jewish community.
Last week, unknown attackers attempted to torch the house of a Jewish Orthodox family in Borgerhout, a suburb of the city of Antwerp where around 18,000 Jews live. An eyewitness who resides nearby alerted the police to the place and they managed to extinguish the flames before the house caught fire.
In Britain, a spokesman for a group that monitors anti-Semitic attacks said violence against Jews and their property was running at four times the normal level since the Gaza campaign began. "Over the last week, we've now seen over 20, perhaps 25, anti-Semitic incidents that appear to be related to the violence in Gaza and southern Israel," said Mark Gardner, of the Community Security Trust (CST).
On Saturday, during a large demonstration in the centre of the city by Muslims and left-wing activists against Israel and in support of Hamas, protesters set Israeli flags aflame, vandalized a Chabad Chanukah menorah and sprayed swastikas and hate graffiti on Jewish-owned shops.
According to Jewish monthly “Joods Actueel”, several members of the Jewish community received death threats from an anonymous man who claimed to be willing to sacrifice himself to avenge the suffering of the Palestinians in Gaza. They appeared on the website of the magazine.
The man threatened a suicide attack: "You are not safe. I know where to find you. Child by child," reads the message with a slew of anti-Semitic slurs .
Michael Freilich, the weekly’s chief editor, and Hicham El Mzairh, a local politician of Moroccan origin, made a joint appeal for calm and peace in Antwerp.
"Our first aim is to show people that the Muslim community and the Jewish community co-exist peacefully here and that it is important to maintain good relations,” they said during a press conference.
The Belgian Jewish community is planning a large demonstration in support of Israel and “for a real peace in the Middle East” Wednesday in front of the embassy of Iran in Brussels.
Iran is considered as the main sponsor of Hamas, the Islamist movement which controls the Gaza Strip."
----
Belgian Public Broadcaster Under Fire For Offensive Holocaust Jokes
Dec 25, 2008
http://hamercaz.com/hamercaz/site/news_item.php?id=2996
"Belgium -- Jewish groups have condemned a Belgian public broadcaster for airing a show in which a comedian jokes about the Holocaust and the persecution of Jews.
On Oct. 27, the VRT broadcaster was forced to cancel a TV cooking show about Adolf Hitler's supposed favorite dish — alpine trout in butter sauce — as part of a series about famous people's favorite foods [see story HERE].
In the 2008 review show, which aired Dec. 21 and is available on the VRT web site, comedian Philippe Geubels accused Belgians Jews of overreacting to the food show.
"What are they going to do if there is a big gas leak in Antwerp?" asked Geubels, referring to the Belgian city which has a large Jewish community. "Take the city to court for provocation? Preemptively file charges against anyone who dares joke about that?"
Geubels also said the Holocaust cannot happen again because "Jews are much smarter now."
"They have spread across the world. Try rounding them up! Most are in America so you cannot send them by train to Germany" to die in gas chambers.
The CCOJB, a Jewish umbrella organization, said it planned legal steps against the VRT for its "multiplication of anti-Semitic provocations disguised as humor." It also asked the government of Belgium, which is responsible for the VRT, to act against those responsible for the broadcast.
"What a comedian does is up to him, but the VRT decides to include it in the show. At that point, the question can be asked, is this the task of a public broadcaster?" asked Michael Freilich, the head of the Jewish group Joods Actueel.
The VRT also came under criticism recently for an ad about a travel show focusing on Berlin. The ad featured the show’s host wearing a swastika armband and a Hitler mustache, giving the Nazi salute in front of a swastika flag."
----
Hezbollah To Speak At Belgian Parliament
Dec 16, 2008
http://hamercaz.com/hamercaz/site/news_item.php?id=2775
"Brussels, Belgium -- Representatives of Hezbollah are scheduled to speak in the conference hall of the Belgian Parliament.
The Hezbollah representatives and the manager of the terrorist organization's Al Manar TV will address a symposium on Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.
The CCOJB, which represents Jewish secular organizations in Brussels, and the Forum of Jewish organizations in Antwerp are organizing a protest, sources say.
The conference has nothing to do with the Belgian government, but is sponsored by the International Union of Parliamentarians for Palestine. It reportedly was organized by Fouad Lahssaini, a Belgian parliamentarian from the Ecolo Green Party who requested the use of the room last month and received approval on Dec. 9.
The articles of association of the International Union of Parliamentarians for Palestine refer to Israel as "the Zionist entity" and calls for its "expulsion ... from international institutions."
The Belgian Parliament is not endorsing the event, sources report.
The American Jewish Committee condemned the parliament's willingness to turn a blind eye to the speech in their seat of government.
"Hezbollah has the blood of thousands of American, French, Israeli, Lebanese and other citizens on its hands. It is simply disgraceful that Hezbollah officials were permitted to address a meeting in the parliament building of a leading European democracy," said AJC Executive Director David A. Harris."
----
Belgian Ad Featuring Hitler Outrages Jewish Groups
Nov 24, 2008
http://hamercaz.com/hamercaz/site/news_item.php?id=2304
"Belgium -- An advertisement for a Belgian travel show features an image of Hitler.
The show with the offensive ad is part of a public broadcast channel that recently canceled a cooking show on Adolf Hitler’s favorite meal. The planned show outraged Jewish groups across the country [full story HERE].
The ad, featuring a caricature of the travel show’s host wearing a swastika armband and a Hitler mustache, was published in a national magazine.
The channel belongs to the Flemish broadcaster VRT.
"They obviously weren’t happy with our response [to the cooking show], so [they] have added Hitler for no obvious reason other than getting attention and angering the Jewish community and the 15,000 Belgian non-Jews who were deported during World War II," Michael Freilich, the editor of the Antwerp Jewish weekly newspaper Joods Actueel, said. "The Jewish community is furious. Some are even considering whether they want to live here"."
----
Belgian Jews Outraged At TV Show Featuring "Hitler's Favorite Meal"
Oct 27, 2008
http://www.hamercaz.com/hamercaz/site/news_item.php?id=1767
"Berchtesgaden, Bavaria -- A Belgian television show will prepare Adolf Hitler's favorite meal on the air. Television chef Jerien Meus of the VRT station reportedly plans to prepare the meal, which includes trout in butter sauce, at Berchtesgaden in Bavaria, the former site of Hitler's "Eagle's Nest" alpine headquarters and now a tourist attraction and museum.
Meus, 30, reportedly catches the fish himself and prepares it on "Favorite Dish," which is scheduled to air Tuesday. Meus on past programs has explored the culinary preferences of other celebrities.
The act has angered Belgian Jewish community and survivor groups.
Michael Freilich, the editor-in-chief of the Antwerp Jewish paper Joods Actueel, deplored the show as a "banalization" of Hitler and called Meus "naive" about the dictator's crimes against humanity. Associations representing Belgian deportees and former political prisoners also have voiced dismay.
Jan Stevens, the director of the Canvas broadcasting company, told the French press agency that he hoped the show would lead to a "better understanding of the dictator," but he also apologized in advance for any hurt feelings.
Neo-Nazi Web sites reportedly are spreading the word about the show."
----
Antwerp Jews Warned Of Terror Threat
Oct 12, 2008
http://hamercaz.com/hamercaz/site/news_item.php?id=1681
"Antwerp, Belgium -- Police met with leaders of Antwerp's Jewish community last week to alert the community of the possibility of a terror attack.
Police officials said they have received a number of threats directed at Antwerp's Jewish institutions. Just last week, police said, they arrested two suspicious Palestinian individuals who were parked across from an assisted living facility for the elderly.
Potential attackers are familiar with the Zmanei Tefillah of local Shuls, police officials warned, as well as the times and locations of various events planned for the Yomim Tovim.
Last Shabbos, Gabbaim passed on the message in local Shuls, warning members of the community to be especially cautious and alert due to to this serious threat.
Police have increased patrols around local Jewish institutions and set up barriers to prevent parking around the Shuls."
Labels: Anti-Semitic acts, Antisemitism in Belgium;Belgian antisemitism;Anti-Semitism, Belgian Jews, European Anti-Semitism
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Modern German youth hate Jews
Holocaust scholar: 'Jew' has become curse word among German youth
By Ofer Aderet, Haaretz Correspondent
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/943953.html
Sun., January 13, 2008 Shvat 6, 5768
German schools are failing in educating students about the Holocaust, a new study by a political education center has found, as German youth, who one historian said use the word "Jew" as a common curse in daily discourse, are increasingly distant from the suffering of the victims of Nazism.
According to a study commissioned by the Federal Agency for Civic Education, a political education center known by its German acronym BPB, history courses no longer manage to teach Germany's younger generation of the horrors of the Nazis.
In the report, which appeared in the German educational magazine Focus-Shula, teachers are quoted as saying that they are having trouble impressing upon school children the horrors of the Holocaust, and have stated that their tools for teaching about the Shoah are not effective.
"The entire time we stood before the crematoriums of Auschwitz, the students took more interest in the types of pipes used to pump in the lethal Zyklon B gas, and not the fate of the Nazis victims," a teacher was quoted as saying.
In their words, this generation's students are less sensitive to the horrors of the Holocaust than any before.
The research also examines the role that immigrants have played in the changing attitudes towards the Shoah. Experts are quoted in the study as saying that there is a marked rise in the number of Muslims in Germany, many of whom see the teaching of the Holocaust as a veiled endorsement of the policies of the state of Israel.
"Out of fear of the students' reactions, many of the teachers avoid teaching this chapter of history in order to not be viewed by some students as supporters of Israel."
"The word 'Jew' has turned into one of the most common curse words among students in both east and west Germany," said Gottfried Cosler, a Frankfurt-based Holocaust scholar.
Robert Sigel, a historian who contributed to the study, is of the opinion that students are taking a great interest in the Holocaust, but that the methods in which the subject is taught today are in need of improvement.
"Often time the teachers, especially the more devoted ones, get carried away, and demand way too much of themselves," Sigel told Focus magazine. "They want to teach the facts and at the same time get across a moral message, call for education and tolerance, deal with the extreme right and prevent anti-Semitism. They put all this material into the subject, and it's too much."
Susan Orban, a historian at Yad Vashem, says that the Holocaust should be taught using methods that have proved successful in the past.
"Today's kids live in different times than that of Anne Frank," Orban said. In order to bridge the generational gap, she submits a different approach, "for example, asking them to imagine that they have to abruptly leave their homes and start a new life elsewhere." Such a method, according to Orban, would speak more directly to the children's hearts and minds than descriptions of the horrors of the concentration camp.
Sigel expressed similar sentiments, adding that the children of immigrants have shown particular interest to the victims of Nazism given that many of them suffered from racial persecution, religious intolerance, and even genocide in their native lands.
By Ofer Aderet, Haaretz Correspondent
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/943953.html
Sun., January 13, 2008 Shvat 6, 5768
German schools are failing in educating students about the Holocaust, a new study by a political education center has found, as German youth, who one historian said use the word "Jew" as a common curse in daily discourse, are increasingly distant from the suffering of the victims of Nazism.
According to a study commissioned by the Federal Agency for Civic Education, a political education center known by its German acronym BPB, history courses no longer manage to teach Germany's younger generation of the horrors of the Nazis.
In the report, which appeared in the German educational magazine Focus-Shula, teachers are quoted as saying that they are having trouble impressing upon school children the horrors of the Holocaust, and have stated that their tools for teaching about the Shoah are not effective.
"The entire time we stood before the crematoriums of Auschwitz, the students took more interest in the types of pipes used to pump in the lethal Zyklon B gas, and not the fate of the Nazis victims," a teacher was quoted as saying.
In their words, this generation's students are less sensitive to the horrors of the Holocaust than any before.
The research also examines the role that immigrants have played in the changing attitudes towards the Shoah. Experts are quoted in the study as saying that there is a marked rise in the number of Muslims in Germany, many of whom see the teaching of the Holocaust as a veiled endorsement of the policies of the state of Israel.
"Out of fear of the students' reactions, many of the teachers avoid teaching this chapter of history in order to not be viewed by some students as supporters of Israel."
"The word 'Jew' has turned into one of the most common curse words among students in both east and west Germany," said Gottfried Cosler, a Frankfurt-based Holocaust scholar.
Robert Sigel, a historian who contributed to the study, is of the opinion that students are taking a great interest in the Holocaust, but that the methods in which the subject is taught today are in need of improvement.
"Often time the teachers, especially the more devoted ones, get carried away, and demand way too much of themselves," Sigel told Focus magazine. "They want to teach the facts and at the same time get across a moral message, call for education and tolerance, deal with the extreme right and prevent anti-Semitism. They put all this material into the subject, and it's too much."
Susan Orban, a historian at Yad Vashem, says that the Holocaust should be taught using methods that have proved successful in the past.
"Today's kids live in different times than that of Anne Frank," Orban said. In order to bridge the generational gap, she submits a different approach, "for example, asking them to imagine that they have to abruptly leave their homes and start a new life elsewhere." Such a method, according to Orban, would speak more directly to the children's hearts and minds than descriptions of the horrors of the concentration camp.
Sigel expressed similar sentiments, adding that the children of immigrants have shown particular interest to the victims of Nazism given that many of them suffered from racial persecution, religious intolerance, and even genocide in their native lands.
Labels: European Anti-Semitism, Germany, Jew-hate, Nazis, Nazism
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Anti-Semitism in Europe persists
ADL poll: Classic anti-Semitic attitudes in Europe persist
By Haaretz Correspondent and Agencies , By Amiram Barkat
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/883342.html
Thu., July 19, 2007 Av 4, 5767
Fifty percent of Europeans in six countries believe that Jews are more loyal to Israel than to their home country; 34.5 percent agree that Jews have too much financial and business clout; and 43 percent said Jews talk too much about the Holocaust, according to a poll released yesterday by the Anti-Defamation League.
The survey of respondents in Austria, Belgium, Britain, Hungary, the Netherlands and Switzerland showed a rise in anti-Semitic attitudes, but also a rise in positive views of Israel, in contrast to the Palestinians, since a similar poll was conducted in 2005.
ADL National Director Abraham Foxman called the questioning of Jewish loyalty the most distressing, disturbing, and frightening issue, as it was liable to fuel anti-Semitic incidents.
"Millions of Europeans continue to accept a wide range of traditional anti-Semitic stereotypes and conspiracy theories, including the charge that Jews are more loyal to Israel than to their home country," Foxman said at a news conference in Jerusalem. "Despite the fact that individual governments and the EU have condemned anti-Semitism and sought ways to counteract it, these attitudes die hard and help incite and legitimize anti-Semitic acts, including violence against Jews."
According to the survey, an overall 49.7 percent of respondents said it was probably true that Jews are more loyal to Israel than to their home countries, compared with 38.2 percent in 2005. A breakdown of the results showed that view was most widely held in Austria and Belgium, where 54 percent of those polled agreed, compared to Switzerland, with 44 percent.
Other questions showed wider differences between countries. The research showed that anti-Semitic attitudes were particularly marked in Hungary, where 61 percent of respondents said that it was probably true that Jews have too much power in international financial markets, up from 55 percent in 2005, and that 60 percent believed that Jews have too much power in the business world. Only 11 percent in the Netherlands held the same view.
An average of 34.5 percent across the six countries agreed that Jews have too much financial and business clout, compared with 26.7 percent two years ago.
Asked about recent initiatives to boycott Israel by academic and journalists' unions in Britain, 43 percent of U.K. respondents said they opposed such attempts, while 37 percent favored them.
In Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, respondents said they viewed Israel more favorably than in 2005. The favorable rating for Israel dropped, meanwhile, in Austria and Hungary.
Foxman said he was "especially concerned that the survey found a large percentage of all respondents, and a majority in Austria, Hungary and Switzerland, believe that American Jews control U.S. policy on the Middle East, an old canard that has been resurrected in mainstream America and bolsters existing European attitudes."
The survey conducted by Taylor Nelson Sofres between May 29 and Jun 18 interviewed 500 adults in each of the six countries, and had a margin of error of 4.5 percentage points.
By Haaretz Correspondent and Agencies , By Amiram Barkat
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/883342.html
Thu., July 19, 2007 Av 4, 5767
Fifty percent of Europeans in six countries believe that Jews are more loyal to Israel than to their home country; 34.5 percent agree that Jews have too much financial and business clout; and 43 percent said Jews talk too much about the Holocaust, according to a poll released yesterday by the Anti-Defamation League.
The survey of respondents in Austria, Belgium, Britain, Hungary, the Netherlands and Switzerland showed a rise in anti-Semitic attitudes, but also a rise in positive views of Israel, in contrast to the Palestinians, since a similar poll was conducted in 2005.
ADL National Director Abraham Foxman called the questioning of Jewish loyalty the most distressing, disturbing, and frightening issue, as it was liable to fuel anti-Semitic incidents.
"Millions of Europeans continue to accept a wide range of traditional anti-Semitic stereotypes and conspiracy theories, including the charge that Jews are more loyal to Israel than to their home country," Foxman said at a news conference in Jerusalem. "Despite the fact that individual governments and the EU have condemned anti-Semitism and sought ways to counteract it, these attitudes die hard and help incite and legitimize anti-Semitic acts, including violence against Jews."
According to the survey, an overall 49.7 percent of respondents said it was probably true that Jews are more loyal to Israel than to their home countries, compared with 38.2 percent in 2005. A breakdown of the results showed that view was most widely held in Austria and Belgium, where 54 percent of those polled agreed, compared to Switzerland, with 44 percent.
Other questions showed wider differences between countries. The research showed that anti-Semitic attitudes were particularly marked in Hungary, where 61 percent of respondents said that it was probably true that Jews have too much power in international financial markets, up from 55 percent in 2005, and that 60 percent believed that Jews have too much power in the business world. Only 11 percent in the Netherlands held the same view.
An average of 34.5 percent across the six countries agreed that Jews have too much financial and business clout, compared with 26.7 percent two years ago.
Asked about recent initiatives to boycott Israel by academic and journalists' unions in Britain, 43 percent of U.K. respondents said they opposed such attempts, while 37 percent favored them.
In Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, respondents said they viewed Israel more favorably than in 2005. The favorable rating for Israel dropped, meanwhile, in Austria and Hungary.
Foxman said he was "especially concerned that the survey found a large percentage of all respondents, and a majority in Austria, Hungary and Switzerland, believe that American Jews control U.S. policy on the Middle East, an old canard that has been resurrected in mainstream America and bolsters existing European attitudes."
The survey conducted by Taylor Nelson Sofres between May 29 and Jun 18 interviewed 500 adults in each of the six countries, and had a margin of error of 4.5 percentage points.
Labels: Europe, European Anti-Semitism, Jews
