BRUSSELS —“Belgium without Jews is not Belgium,” declared Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel as he addressed a ceremony on Wednesday at the Great Synagogue in Brussels to mark the 70th anniversary of the State of Israel.
In his speech, the Belgian leader emphasized the contribution of the Jewish community to the development of Belgium, whether in the arts, sciences, research, innovation or in the economic and social fields.
He also condemned anti-Semitism as it is showing its head again in Europe. “Our solidarity against anti-Semitism is unconditional and total,” he said.
“We are lucid: every day, our values are put to the test, anti-Semitic and denial acts are still committed in Belgium, I cannot accept it, our country can not accept it,” he said.
He recalled that last year during a visit to Israel he visited the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial in Jerusalem. ‘’Among the 27,000 Righteous Among the Nations, 1,731 are Belgians. They are the honor and pride of our country, they are our dignity,’’ Michel said.
As early as January 29, 1949, Belgium recognized the State of Israel. “For 70 years, extremely strong links have been forged between our two countries,” the Belgian premier said.