Jews and Muslims call for tolerance in Antwerp

Muslim Vld politican Hicham El Mzairh and chief editor of the Belgian Jewish magazine ‘Joods Actueel’ are making a joint appeal for peace and calm in Antwerp, after recent tensions in the city mounted over the conflict in the Gaza Strip. The two want to make it clear that there are more similarities than differences…

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Middle East crisis puts Belgium’s Jews under threat; tensions between Muslims

The Jewish community in Belgium is leading to extra protection due to the escalating conflict between Israel and Gaza. Attacks and vandalism on Jewish synagogues have been reported, and anti-Semitism has been expressed during demonstrations. An increase in police presence in Antwerp and Brussels has been put in place to monitor potential targets. “Our community…

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New Muslim Party in Antwerp

Two Antwerp residents are making plans to set up a leftist Islamic party with hopes of participating in the 2012 municipal elections.  The party – simply called “Moslem” is being created because its founders feel that the traditional parties neglect the local Muslim community, and call on them only when it is convenient for politicians,…

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The Arab European League claims racism in Antwerp

The Arab European League plans to sue the Antwerp police department, blaming them of acting in racist manners after the murder of Mohammed Achrak in 2002. The AEL bases itself in the blog of the former police commissioner of Antwerp, Bart Debie, who wrote about the testimony during the AEL appeal trial. According to AEL,…

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Mosques don’t have enough space

The spokesperson for the Belgian Muslim League, Farid El Machaoud said that mosques in Belgium don’t have enough space for all those who come for Friday prayers. “The Muslim population continues to grow and more and more youth go to the mosque,” says El Machaoud. In addition, he added that in big cities, there is…

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