Antwerp's Jewish community hosted its annual 8th of May commemoration on Wednesday, remembering not only the victims of the Holocaust, but also those of the attack by Hamas on 7 October last year.
A major concern underlying the ceremony was the surge in anti-Semitic sentiments spurred by the war in the Middle East.
The event, initiated by the Forum of Jewish Organisations, attracted a multitude of politicians. A municipal council delegation was present, along with the rector of the University of Antwerp, Herman Van Goethem, who was the guest speaker.
Recalling the victims of the Holocaust and the 7th of October, Van Goethem, a co-founder of the Dossin Barracks Museum, launched a call for reconciliation.
“Extreme polarisation leads to massive loss of life, not just soldiers but innocent men, women, and children. The time comes when you need not only to punish the culprits but also to take a step back and pursue peace and reconciliation.”
The Forum’s President, Philippe Scharf, reiterated an appeal to national governments to demonstrate “zero tolerance for anti-Semitism.” He voiced concern over the rising tide of anti-Semitic sentiment, saying, “It harks back to the darkest days that led to the Holocaust. Europe had said, ‘never again’ – and we assert that ‘never again’, indeed, starts now.”
Scharf also called for a greater focus on the hostages still held by Hamas.
