EJC organises event in Brussels to commemorate the victims of the 7th October Hamas massacre

On the one-year anniversary of the tragic Hamas massacre on 7th October 2023, the European Jewish Congress (EJC) held a deeply emotional gathering in Brussels to commemorate the victims and support the Israeli hostages still held in Gaza. The occasion featured a conference by renowned French-Algerian author Mohamed Sifaoui, known for his unwavering commitment to exposing extremism and his courageous stance against terrorism.

EJC Executive Vice-President Raya Kalenova delivered welcoming remarks, emphasising the profound sense of loss and the urgent need for unity after the deadliest attack against the Jewish people since the Holocaust.

“What happened one year ago, we still cannot even comprehend it; it’s surreal. It is hard to forgive the lack of empathy and the questioning of the atrocities committed by Hamas terrorists on this dark day, forever marked by infamy,” Ms Kalenova said.

“Our world has changed, and our communities are facing unprecedented challenges, as there is an explosion of antisemitism mostly taking the form of anti-Zionism. Jewish people across the world are living in fear, threatened by unchecked hatred.”

With unwavering emotion, she reminded everyone of the importance of coming together, not only to remember the victims but also to stand in solidarity with the Israeli hostages, whose fate remains uncertain.

Ms Kalenova also highlighted the urgency of addressing the rising tide of hatred: “Antisemitism has been normalised, and it feels as though there are no longer any limits. The glorification of Hamas and other terrorist organisations in European capitals terrorises Jewish communities, even more so when it is met with the complicity of some political parties and intellectuals. Their hatred aims to destroy our democracies and the values of tolerance and freedom that we hold so dear.”

Yves Oschinsky, President of the Coordinating Committee of Belgian Jewish Organisations (CCOJB), spoke with deep frustration and concern. “Our absolute priority is to bring the hostages home from Gaza,” he said.

“In Belgium, we are living in a polarised, hostile society where antisemitism has surged, and yet the government has failed to react. It is not a priority for them, and this silence is deafening.”

“Jews in Belgium are living in fear. Many are forced to hide their identity—taking off their kippahs, removing mezuzahs from their doors—and Jewish students are being harassed on university campuses. Synagogues and cemeteries have been desecrated, and we have witnessed a disturbing rise in violent attacks against our community, all while the authorities remain indifferent. This climate of fear is intolerable, and it feels as though we are being abandoned.”

The emotional core of the evening was further heightened when Rabbi Yoni Krief from the Sephardic Synagogue of Brussels led the attendees in a heartfelt recitation of the Kaddish, followed by a minute of silence and the singing of Hatikvah, the Israeli national anthem. Before this solemn moment, Jewish dignitaries alongside Mohamed Sifaoui were invited to light candles in remembrance of those murdered by Hamas and in honour of the hostages still held in the Gaza Strip.

Mr Sifaoui provided an expert analysis of the organisation Hamas, the dangers of Islamism, its connections with Iran and the Muslim Brotherhood, and the reaction of the West against its threat. He also discussed the ongoing events in the Middle East and their far-reaching consequences in Europe since the 7th October attacks. The discussion was moderated by Belgian Senator Viviane Teitelbaum, ensuring an engaging dialogue on this critical topic.

Mr Sifaoui presented his latest book, titled Hamas, where he explores the history of this organisation and its brutal methodology, which ultimately led to the worst massacre against Jews since the Holocaust. He provided a clear perspective on its motivations, ideology, and desire to destroy the State of Israel while addressing its significant impact on both regional and global politics.

During the event, participants were introduced to the Coming Home Soon initiative, focused on illuminating the dire situation of each hostage through personal stories and messages from around the world. Their interactive installation features books representing each hostage held in Gaza. Visitors are invited to write their own messages, read other messages of hope and support, or simply meander through the rows of brightly coloured books, each featuring a photo of a hostage on the cover.

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