“Belgium hasn’t suddenly become pro-Israel, but neutrality is already a significant win”
The new prime minister is former Antwerp mayor Bart De Wever of the right-wing New Flemish Alliance (NVA). During his 12 years as mayor of Antwerp, De Wever cultivated a strong relationship with the Jewish community. A critical connection in this dialogue was Michael Freilich, who entered politics with the NVA under De Wever’s guidance. Freilich became the only observant Jew in the Belgian parliament.
In conversation with Mishpacha, Freilich reflected on De Wever’s potential impact. While managing expectations, he noted, “De Wever is a friend of the Jewish People, and now Belgium is going in the right direction.”
“I definitely hope so, and I think there’s a good chance it will happen. The previous coalition was very hostile toward Israel. Even the former prime minister, a self-described liberal, was extremely harsh on Israel.
“This new government includes two parties with outspoken pro-Israel stances — my party, and the French-speaking Liberals. The prime minister himself, who was Antwerp’s mayor, knows the Jewish community well, and has visited Israel.
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