Belgium last in Jewish-quality-of-life ranking

The European Jewish Association (EJA) ranked Belgium lowest in terms of quality of life for the Jewish community. This result was released by EJA after comparing 12 European countries. Belgium also ranks last in terms of government action for the Jewish community. Italy leads in terms of quality of life.

Causing these results are "the reduction of protective measures for Jewish communities," the ban on ritual slaughter in Flanders and Wallonia, and "threats to circumcision." The EJA also criticizes the absence of a Belgian coordinator in the fight against anti-Semitism.

"The purpose of this study is not to argue with or embarrass this or that government, but to create a scientific comparison tool (...) so that the authorities know what steps need to be put in place to overcome these difficulties," explains Rabbi Menachem Margolin, president of the EJA.

Italy, Hungary, Denmark, the United Kingdom and Austria form the top five countries where the quality of life of the Jewish community is the best. The top countries in terms of government action in favour of the community are Germany, Austria, France, the Netherlands and Italy.

Belgium, on the other hand, is in last place in both of the above rankings. "When we look in detail, we see that the country does the least for the maintenance of the life of the Jewish community in Europe, compared to the other states mentioned", explains the president of the EJA.

In terms of public attitudes towards the Jewish community, Belgium still improves its performance and is in 9th place (out of 12). Finally, Belgium is 11th in terms of the feeling of security for members of the community. France, the country with the most Jewish people in the ranking, is also the one where they feel least safe.

© BELGA PHOTO DIRK WAEM - People pictured in the Antwerp Jewish quarter, the location of a press conference of CD&V Antwerp regarding the candidates for the upcoming local elections, in Antwerp, Wednesday 18 April 2018. A controversy broke out regarding the possible candidature of an orthodox jew on the CD&V list.