Following the tragic terror attack in Sydney, Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever announced that he was postponing all official engagements to attend the Chanukah event in Antwerp and show support for the Jewish community. Senior government ministers and the Mayor of Antwerp were also in attendance.

The central menorah lighting was led by Rabbi Yossi Slavatitsky, the Rebbe’s shliach in Antwerp. Hundreds of members of the Jewish community – children, youth, and adults – participated.

Speaking with visible emotion, the Prime Minister emphasized that the light of Chanukah represents the triumph of light over darkness and faith over fear. “We are here. We do not surrender. And we continue forward,” he declared.

Following the ceremony, the Prime Minister and senior ministers met at a nearby hotel with Rabbi Shabtai Slavatitsky, where they held extended discussions about current challenges and expressed deep appreciation for Chabad’s ongoing support of the Jewish community.

The menorah lighting received extensive coverage on Belgian television, radio, and in the print press, drawing broad public attention and creating a large kiddush Hashem and major pirsumei nissa.

Photos: Shoshanah van der Hoek