Belgian Soldiers Stop Man Threatening Orthodox Jews with Emergency Hammer in Antwerp

On a Saturday night in Antwerp, a 28-year-old man harassed and threatened members of the Jewish community near Lamorinière Street. The man wielded an emergency hammer, knocked a hat off one person’s head, pushed another, and threw traffic signs to the ground, though no injuries were reported. Belgian soldiers patrolling the Jewish neighborhood intervened to stop the attacker, who attempted to flee upon seeing them. They detained him and alerted the police, who subsequently arrested and began questioning him. The suspect is known to authorities for previous public nuisance and drug offenses.

Since March 2026, soldiers have been stationed in Antwerp’s Jewish district to protect the community following a series of antisemitic incidents in Europe. These include a March explosion near a synagogue in Liège, arson attacks on a synagogue and a Jewish school in Rotterdam and Amsterdam, and an explosion at the U.S. embassy in Norway. Additionally, four ambulances belonging to a Jewish rescue organization in London were burned in an antisemitic attack. Local residents have expressed relief and increased feelings of safety due to the enhanced security presence.

Zvi Graskapf, chairman of the Shomrim organization in Antwerp, emphasized that security has been significantly strengthened since March in response to these attacks. The ongoing protection efforts aim to prevent further violence against the Jewish community in the city and across Europe.