Belgium Detains Israelis Over IDF Service, Sparks Concerns Over Anti-Semitism

In a troubling incident at the Tomorrowland music festival in Belgium, two Israelis were reportedly detained and beaten by police for their prior service in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). The men, who were uncharged and later released, were targeted solely for having fulfilled mandatory national service, a common requirement for Israeli adults. This marks a disturbing escalation in anti-Semitic harassment of Israelis abroad.
The detention appears to have been orchestrated with the involvement of the Hind Rajab Foundation, a controversial organization linked to Middle Eastern extremist groups. Founded by a former Hezbollah trainee, Hind Rajab has been accused of fomenting anti-Semitic violence in Europe. Following the arrest, Rajab celebrated the incident, aligning the group with a history of anti-Semitic extremism.
Meanwhile, in Canada, anti-Semitic sentiment has surged, with Jewish schools and institutions targeted in violent attacks. A website has emerged, compiling personal information on Canadian Jews who served in the IDF, along with details about their families, employers, and Jewish affiliations. The site openly aims to create a database to identify and monitor Jewish individuals, echoing historic practices with ominous implications.
Canada’s RCMP has initiated a structural investigation into the Israel-Hamas conflict, though no criminal cases have been opened. Critics warn that such efforts risk legitimizing anti-Semitic agendas, as Western societies appear to drift toward catastrophe with little resistance.
The incident underscores the growing threat of anti-Semitic extremism, enabled by groups like Hind Rajab and complacent law enforcement. As anti-Semitism gains traction in Western countries, the international community must act decisively to protect Jewish communities and uphold human rights.

Published: 7/22/2025