Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever left a heartfelt message at Berlin’s Holocaust Memorial, pledging eternal support for Europe’s Jews, while stressing that Palestinian statehood must only follow ironclad guarantees for Israel’s security.
During his visit to Berlin, Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever delivered a deeply moving gesture of solidarity at the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. Writing in German in the memorial’s guestbook, De Wever paid tribute to the millions of victims of the Shoah and affirmed Europe’s enduring commitment to its Jewish community.
“On behalf of the Belgian government and all people and communities living together in peace in Belgium, I express my deepest sympathy and my respect. We will remember all the victims. I stand here humbly at this place of remembrance. The Jewish community will always have a home in Europe,” De Wever wrote.
His remarks drew warm praise from Rabbi Menachem Margolin, Chairman of the European Jewish Association (EJA), who said:
“At a time when antisemitism is once again spreading across Europe, his clear and unwavering statement is deeply important. Such leadership not only honors the memory of the six million but also strengthens the sense of security and belonging for Jews across the continent.”
The visit coincided with De Wever’s meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, where he addressed the question of Palestinian recognition. The Belgian leader made it clear that recognition must only come under strict, realistic conditions:
- Hamas must disappear completely.
- A credible Palestinian Authority must emerge.
- Borders must be agreed upon.
- Israel must receive binding security guarantees.
“Without these,” De Wever said firmly, “recognition is pointless and even counterproductive.”
Rabbi Margolin also commended De Wever’s principled stance, noting: “His voice carries moral weight in Europe, and we deeply appreciate it.”During his visit to Berlin, Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever delivered a deeply moving gesture of solidarity at the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. Writing in German in the memorial’s guestbook, De Wever paid tribute to the millions of victims of the Shoah and affirmed Europe’s enduring commitment to its Jewish community.
“On behalf of the Belgian government and all people and communities living together in peace in Belgium, I express my deepest sympathy and my respect. We will remember all the victims. I stand here humbly at this place of remembrance. The Jewish community will always have a home in Europe,” De Wever wrote.
His remarks drew warm praise from Rabbi Menachem Margolin, Chairman of the European Jewish Association (EJA), who said:
“At a time when antisemitism is once again spreading across Europe, his clear and unwavering statement is deeply important. Such leadership not only honors the memory of the six million but also strengthens the sense of security and belonging for Jews across the continent.”
The visit coincided with De Wever’s meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, where he addressed the question of Palestinian recognition. The Belgian leader made it clear that recognition must only come under strict, realistic conditions:
- Hamas must disappear completely.
- A credible Palestinian Authority must emerge.
- Borders must be agreed upon.
- Israel must receive binding security guarantees.
“Without these,” De Wever said firmly, “recognition is pointless and even counterproductive.”
Rabbi Margolin also commended De Wever’s principled stance, noting: “His voice carries moral weight in Europe, and we deeply appreciate it.”
