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Antwerp's Jewish Quarter Faces Security Risks After Police Withdrawal

12/18/2025

Summary

Story summary

Federal police protection for Antwerp's Jewish Quarter will be withdrawn on January 1, 2026, despite ongoing threats.
Els Van Doesburg, Antwerp's mayor, says the decision increases risk to the Jewish community after recent attacks.
Since 2014, officers have supported local security, but Interior Minister Bernard Quintin says the deployment was not permanent.
Local leaders worry about safety, and Vlaams Belang calls for enhanced protection for Jewish institutions amid rising antisemitism.

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Story summary

Federal police protection for Antwerp's Jewish Quarter will be withdrawn on January 1, 2026, despite ongoing threats.
Els Van Doesburg, Antwerp's mayor, says the decision increases risk to the Jewish community after recent attacks.
Since 2014, officers have supported local security, but Interior Minister Bernard Quintin says the deployment was not permanent.
Local leaders worry about safety, and Vlaams Belang calls for enhanced protection for Jewish institutions amid rising antisemitism.