In one of the cemeteries of Charleroi, in the south of Belgium, at least 85 graves in the Jewish square were defaced and objects as well as bronze Stars of David were stolen. The authorities of this large Walloon city condemn “an act of an anti-Semitic nature”.
At least 85 graves in the Jewish square of one of the cemeteries of Charleroi, in the south of Belgium, were defaced and objects and bronze stars of David stolen, “an act of an anti-Semitic nature” condemned Thursday by the authorities of this large Walloon city. “The chosen location and the theft of numerous Stars of David leave little doubt about the anti-Semitic nature of the intentions,” declared the mayor of Charleroi Paul Magnette. “On behalf of the city, I strongly condemn these despicable actions,” he added in a press release, specifying that he had asked his administration to notify each family.
“Anti-Semitism is an evil that must continue to be fought”
The damage was discovered on Wednesday by the gravedigger at the Marcinelle cemetery, a district of Charleroi. The facts date back to the previous night. The city filed a complaint and an investigation was opened. Only the Jewish square of the cemetery was affected, which indicates the anti-Semitic nature of the vandalism, according to the first elements of the investigation. No graffiti or written messages were found. The damage is due to the fact that in order to be stolen, the objects had to be unsealed from the graves, undoubtedly with tools, a spokesperson for Paul Magnette explained to AFP.
Belgium has noted an increase in reports of anti-Semitic acts or remarks since the outbreak of war on October 7 between Israel and the Hamas terrorist movement. The Belgian government again reported an increase in these reports on Wednesday, recalling that the Jewish community, its schools and places of worship are currently the subject of particular vigilance by the police. “Anti-Semitism is an evil that we must continue to fight with all our strength,” declared Thursday Paul Magnette, who is also the president of the French-speaking Socialist Party.