Story perspectives

Belgium indicts three Antwerp mohels, sparks diplomatic protest

5/7/2026

Summary

Story summary

Belgian prosecutors indicted three Antwerp mohels for circumcisions without medical certification, hearing set for 18 June.
The probe follows a 2023 complaint by Moshe Aryeh Friedman, linked to Holocaust denial.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Ambassador Bill White called the prosecutions an affront to Jewish faith.
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot said the judiciary is independent and protects religious freedom.
Prime Minister Bart De Wever denied antisemitism, saying standards can coexist with Jewish traditions.

History

Historical Context

Germany’s Cologne court ruled on 26 June 2012 that non-medical circumcision of boys breached child-integrity, prompting the Bundestag on 12 December 2012 to pass a law permitting the rite under medical safeguards (434-100-46). The precedent influences Europe, and Belgium’s bioethics debate now fuels scrutiny of Antwerp mohels, while Israel’s Gideon Sa’ar and Belgian officials cite religious-freedom protections.

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Story summary

Belgian prosecutors indicted three Antwerp mohels for circumcisions without medical certification, hearing set for 18 June.
The probe follows a 2023 complaint by Moshe Aryeh Friedman, linked to Holocaust denial.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Ambassador Bill White called the prosecutions an affront to Jewish faith.
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot said the judiciary is independent and protects religious freedom.
Prime Minister Bart De Wever denied antisemitism, saying standards can coexist with Jewish traditions.

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