Worshippers at Antwerp’s Shomrei Hadat synagogue found “Jews are child killers” spray-painted on its wall, prompting a police investigation amid rising antisemitism linked to the Gaza conflict.
The quiet streets of Antwerp’s Jewish quarter were shaken Friday morning when worshippers arriving for prayers at the Shomrei Hadat synagogue were confronted with a jarring sight — fresh graffiti scrawled across the synagogue wall declaring in English: “Jews are child killers.”
The hateful message, apparently referencing the war in Gaza, was discovered before dawn and quickly reported to synagogue guards, who summoned police. Members of the congregation photographed the graffiti before officers arrived, preserving evidence of what they called a “vile act of incitement.”
Community leaders noted that while Antwerp has generally been spared frequent antisemitic attacks, this defacement is part of a disturbing Europe-wide surge in Jew-hatred since the outbreak of the Gaza conflict.
Belgian police have launched an urgent investigation, reviewing security camera footage from the area in hopes of identifying the perpetrator. “The police are investigating, and we are determined that this individual will be found,” the Shomrei Hadat community stated, calling for solidarity against antisemitism.
