‘’The desecration of a cemetery constitutes the absolute negation of the sacredness represented by the respect due to the dead, and is a major expression of the prevailing anti-Semitism, denounced by the National March against Anti-Semitism on December 10, 2023, International Human Rights Day.’’

CCOJB, the coordination committee of Belgian Jewish organizations, expresses its deepest indignation and concern following the desecration of a Jewish cemetery in Kraainem, near Brussels, just a few weeks after the desecration of an another Jewish cemetery in Marcinelle, near Charleroi.

In Kraainem, antisemitic vandals spray-painted swastikas and Stars of David at the Jewish cemetery in Kraainem. The symbols were found Tuesday morning.

“We don’t know if there’s a link with the conflict in the Middle East. Nor do we know who the perpetrator or perpetrators are. Steps have been taken to find out,” said Bertrand Waucquez, mayor of Kraainem.

In a statement, CCOJB said : ‘’The desecration of a cemetery constitutes the absolute negation of the sacredness represented by the respect due to the dead, and is a major expression of the prevailing anti-Semitism, denounced by the National March against Anti-Semitism on December 10, 2023, International Human Rights Day.’’

‘’Any anti-Semitic act tramples on the fundamental values of our society and represents an attack on humanity,’’ it added.

The CCOJB said it ‘’expresses its support and empathy for the families affected by this despicable desecration.’’