The presentation of the regional list ‘Viva Palestina’ for the Brussels region elections, led by an activist accused of antisemitism, has ignited widespread outrage.
Belgian-Lebanese politician Dyab Abou Jahjah has a well-documented history of making antisemitic and racist remarks. In 2012, he was legally condemned for publishing a Holocaust denial cartoon on social media and has consistently demonized Jewish people throughout his career. Abou Jahjah has established connections with the extremist terrorist organisation Hezbollah during his time in Lebanon and has openly praised Palestinian terrorist groups. He has also advocated for the implementation of Sharia law in Belgium.
The creation of this list was made possible thanks to the signature of Brussels regional MP Khadija Zamouri from the Flemish Open VLD party.
Open VLD President Tom Ongena has emphasized that Khadija Zamouri’s actions were a personal initiative and do not represent the party. He stated that he has asked her to withdraw her support for the list and that she will not be a candidate in the regional elections for the party.
Georges Bouchez, President of its French-speaking mirror party Mouvement Réformateur, has asked her to explain this decision and condemned the creation of this list.
