May 7, 2026
Uproar in Belgium - Indictment Against Jewish Mohels
תמונת אילוסטרציה: chatgpt
In Belgium, an indictment was filed against Jewish mohels from Antwerp
The authorities claim they performed circumcisions without state medical approval
According to Belgian law, only doctors are allowed to perform medical procedures
The authorities say circumcision is also considered such a procedure
Despite the law, circumcisions performed by mohels are an old tradition
End of Hebrew Preview
For an immersive experience with the full text, translations, pronunciation, a personal dictionary and other interactive features, download our mobile app
But recently, a Jewish resident named Moshe Friedman filed a complaint Friedman is an anti-Zionist activist who frequently criticizes the Jewish community in Antwerp Following the complaint, the authorities launched an investigation They decided to file an indictment against several mohels
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar criticized the decision He said Belgium is violating the religious freedom of Jews The Belgian Foreign Minister responded that the country's legal system is independent and there is no intent to harm Jews
Jewish organizations in Europe were also angered by the decision Rabbi Menachem Margolin said this is a severe step against Jewish life in Europe More than 50 rabbis signed a protest letter against the trial
Circumcision is a Jewish ritual that takes place eight days after the birth of a son For many years, Jewish mohels have been performing the ritual in Jewish communities worldwide Now Jews in Belgium fear it will be difficult to maintain their tradition