Belgium

European Jewish Association (EJA) Initiates Legal Action Against Bob Vylan Following His Ancienne Belgique Performance
The European Jewish Association (EJA) has initiated legal proceedings following the 2 December performance of Bob Vylan at Ancienne Belgique, during which the artist led the crowd in chants of “Death to the IDF” and “Everybody hates the police,” while displaying a Samidoun-branded t-shirt — an organisation officially classified as terror-linked in several countries and undergoing formal designation procedures as a terrorist organisation in several additional countries where its activities have already been banned.
The investigating judge of the Brussels Court of First Instance today received the complaint filed by Belgian attorney Christophe Boeraeve and EJA legal counsel Adv. Shlomo Dahan, and authorised the opening of an investigation into Vylan’s performance for the following offences:
* Incitement to discrimination, hatred or violence;
* Dissemination of ideas based on racial hatred; assistance to a group promoting discrimination;
* Public provocation to commit a terrorist offence;
* Glorification of terrorism;
* Participation in the activities of a terrorist organisation;
* Provocation to commit offences against public authorities.
In Israel, the law requires every citizen to serve in the army, and therefore calls for the death of IDF soldiers are, by definition, understood as directed at every Israeli and every Jew.
The fact that thousands of Belgian citizens were incited and roused to call for the death of the overwhelming majority of Israelis, while hurling insults at the Belgian police, reflects a profound moral failure and a security threat that Belgian authorities must treat with utmost seriousness.
As Boeraeve and Dahan explain:
“Criticise Israeli policy as you wish. But leading thousands to call for the death of the vast majority of Israelis? That is not speech — that is pure incitement. Some might call it rock and roll — provocative performance art. But there is a line. Belgian law draws it clearly. When you lead a crowd to call for the death of people defined by their nationality, that line is crossed.”
In addition to legal action, the EJA has submitted an official complaint to UNIA, Belgium’s federal anti-discrimination authority, requesting that it investigate the incident and consider public and legal measures in response to the incitement witnessed.
Rabbi Menachem Margolin, Chairman of the EJA, stated:
“Freedom of expression is a pillar of democracy. We recognise it and we defend it. But when an artist leads thousands to chant for the death of others, when hostility toward law enforcement becomes normalised — a red line has been crossed. Belgian law marks that line clearly. Silence is not neutrality — it is complicity. We have initiated legal action and filed an official complaint with UNIA. We now expect the authorities to act. What occurred at Ancienne Belgique is not only a moral lapse — it is a threat to Jewish communities and to Belgian society as a whole, and it demands a firm response.”

Yesterday (23.10.25), EJA Chairman Rabbi Menachem Margolin, Vice Chairman Alexander Benjamin and EU Director of Relations Ruth Daskalopoulou-Isaac met with Commissioner Brunner at the European Commission in Brussels. The meeting focused on the growing concern over rising antisemitism across Europe and the urgent need to ensure the safety and security of Jewish communities and institutions.

Throughout Europe, Jewish life continues to thrive despite an atmosphere of increased hostility and fear. Centuries after the darkest chapters of our history, it is our shared responsibility to protect what has been rebuilt. Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation between the European Jewish Association and the European Commission to ensure a safer and stronger future for the Jewish people in Europe.

We thank Commissioner Brunner and his dedicated team for their continued commitment to this fight. But as the situation grows more alarming, words and concern must now turn into concrete actions to protect Europe’s Jewish citizens and defend the values on which this continent was built.

The European Jewish Association calls for the Flemish Minister of Culture Caroline Gennez to be removed from her post ”without delay” after she supported the decision of the Ghent Festival of Flanders to boycott Israeli conductor Lahav Shani.In a letter we sent to Conner Rousseau, president of the Vooruit party, of which the minister is a member, we expressed deep alarm and outrage over the recent decision of the Ghent Festival of Flanders to cancel the concert of the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra solely because its future conductor, Lahav Shani, is Israeli and Jewish.

Dear Mr. Rousseau,

The European Jewish Association (EJA) expresses its deepest alarm and outrage over the recent decision of the Ghent Festival of Flanders to cancel the concert of the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra solely because its future conductor, Lahav Shani, is Israeli and Jewish.

Even more troubling is that Flemish Minister of Culture, Caroline Gennez, not only defended but actively supported this reckless act of cultural and ethnic discrimination.

This decision has gravely damaged Belgium’s international reputation and emboldened antisemitic currents, at a time when Europe urgently needs unity and vigilance against hate.

There can be no place for antisemitism in Belgium or anywhere in Europe in 2025.

Discrimination on the basis of origin, nationality, religion, gender, or race is unacceptable and incompatible with the values of the European Union, the European Convention on Human Rights, and Belgium’s own constitutional principles.

Therefore, the EJA formally calls upon Vooruit to remove Caroline Gennez from her position as Minister of Culture without delay.

Allowing a minister who legitimizes such exclusion to remain in office sends a disastrous signal: that prejudice and collective punishment are tolerated at the highest levels of government.

Belgium and Europe must remain places where artists and citizens are judged by their talent and character—not by their birth or faith.

We urge you to act swiftly and decisively to restore public confidence, protect Belgium’s international standing, and demonstrate that Vooruit will never compromise on the fight against antisemitism and all forms of discrimination.

Yours sincerely,

Rabbi Menachem Margolin

President

European Jewish Association (EJA)

This week, we held an intensive two-day bootcamp that brought together participants from across Europe to learn about our work and gain practical tools to strengthen their activism.

Throughout the program, participants explored how to fight antisemitism, expose lies and misinformation, and engage with key figures in both the European Parliament and the Belgian government. Our team put together a thoughtful and impactful program that empowered passionate activists with hands-on training. They learned how to advocate effectively on social media, how to engage with traditional media—both in print and live interviews—how to debunk myths and misinformation, and how to organize high-level events.

Participants also had the opportunity to meet H.E. the Ambassador of Israel to the EU and NATO, who spoke about the challenges of his diplomatic work in these difficult times. They engaged in conversation with MEP Bert-Jan Ruissen, a dear friend of the Jewish people and a steadfast supporter of the State of Israel, Mr. Ralph Pais, vice-chairman of the Jewish Information and Documentation and MP Michal Freilich, member of the Belgian Parliament and EJA’s Special Envoy on Combating Antisemitism.

We want to warmly thank all the participants who joined us from across the continent for their dedication, curiosity, and commitment. We also extend our sincere appreciation to our guest speakers for taking the time to be with us, share their experience, and support our mission.