Sa’ar Attacks Belgium: "Persecuting Jews for Observing Judaism"
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar attacked the Belgian government following the filing of an indictment against three mohels who were investigated under the claim of performing circumcisions contrary to the law: "It joins a short and shameful list of countries using criminal law to persecute Jews".
Isreli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar sharply criticized Belgium today following the country's decision to file an indictment against three mohels who were investigated last year in Antwerp after it was claimed they were performing circumcisions contrary to the law. In his remarks he condemned the decision and called on the Belgian government to act to find a solution that will allow the mohels to continue their work.
"Belgium announced the filing of an indictment against the three mohels who were investigated last year in Antwerp. In this act Belgium joins a short and shameful list together with Ireland of countries using criminal law to persecute Jews for observing Judaism" Sa’ar said and added "This is a mark of disgrace on Belgium."
"Circumcision is a cornerstone of the Jewish faith. Many countries in Europe and the world have created legal frameworks to facilitate circumcision and Jewish freedom of religion in their countries" he added. "I call on the Belgian government to act immediately to find an appropriate solution."
As stated Belgium announced the filing of an indictment against three mohels from Antwerp who were arrested in May 2025, after a complaint was filed against them claiming they perform circumcisions without medical certification and contrary to the law.
The three were released after investigation but their work tools were confiscated, and they were forbidden from continuing to perform circumcisions, under the claim that the craft is prohibited without recognized medical certification.