Belgium Charges Jewish Circumcisers, Sparking Outrage

The charges are seen by many as a significant restriction on Jewish religious practice.

By United with Israel Staff

Belgian prosecutors have filed charges against three mohalim (Jewish ritual circumcisers) in Antwerp for performing circumcisions without recognized medical certification, a move that has sparked sharp backlash from Israeli and U.S. officials.

The indictment follows an investigation launched last year during which Belgian police raided the homes of the mohalim, arrested them and confiscated their circumcision instruments.

The charges center on allegations that the procedures were carried out without formal medical licensing, with authorities also raising concerns about the traditional post-procedure practice, claiming it could pose health risks.

The decision effectively means that mohels without state-recognized medical credentials could face criminal prosecution for performing a brit milah (circumcision) in Belgium, a development seen by many as a significant restriction on Jewish religious practice.

Sa’ar strongly condemned the move, saying Belgium had joined “a short and shameful list” of countries that use criminal law to target Jewish religious observance. “This is a scarlet letter on Belgian society,” he said, emphasizing that “the brit milah is the cornerstone of Jewish faith” and calling on the Belgian government to “act immediately and find a solution.”

The criticism was echoed by Bill White, the U.S. ambassador to Belgium, who described the prosecution as “a shameful stain on Belgium.” In a post on X, White said the targeting of religious figures, including one American citizen, “is wrong and won’t be tolerated,” warning that Belgium risks being viewed globally as antisemitic if the issue is not resolved.

White also criticized what he described as political inaction, urging Belgian authorities to work with Jewish leaders to establish a certification framework that would allow the practice to continue legally.

“For the sake of Belgium’s reputation around the world, I hope the Belgian Government will act now,” he said, adding that further U.S. responses could follow upcoming discussions with Belgian officials.

The case has raised broader concerns among Jewish communities in Europe about the balance between public health regulations and the protection of religious freedom.

For many, the issue goes far beyond legal technicalities, touching on the fundamental right of Jews to practice their faith openly and without fear.

Jewish leaders warn that criminalizing brit milah, a core pillar of Jewish identity for thousands of years, sends a dangerous message about the place of Jewish life in Europe today and underscores the urgent need to safeguard religious freedom in both principle and practice.