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English translation of the May 2026 newsletter, originally published on 7 May 2026.
Liège, 3 May 2026: the synagogue reopens.
Two months after the attack on the synagogue in Rue Léon Frédéricq, the Jewish community of Liège has reopened its beautiful synagogue. It is deeply saddening that such a ceremony still has to take place behind closed doors and under exceptional security measures. The explosion on the night of 8–9 March brutally reminded us that antisemitism and terrorism are, unfortunately, not things of the past.
The street was completely closed off, with a military presence, heightened checks and strictly limited access. Two hundred people attended the ceremony, including Mayor Willy Demeyer, US Ambassador Bill White, Chief Rabbi Albert Guigui, Bishop Jean-Pierre Delville and Pastor Yves Gabel.
The attack targeted not just a building, but a fundamental principle:
the right of every citizen to practise their faith without fear.
This concerns us all!
Attacks on Jews or their places of worship form part of a centuries-old tragedy and a scandalous manipulation of history and facts. Many Christians who supported the Jewish community of Liège will undoubtedly recall these words from Paul’s Letter to the Romans, affirming God’s love for His people Israel, because the divine covenant is irrevocable (Romans 11:28–29).
The reopening of the synagogue of Liège is an act of resistance and, at the same time, a celebration of life. It affirms that hatred will not dictate public life, that attempts at intimidation will fail, and that the Jewish community will continue to take its rightful place in Belgian society.
The synagogue had already partially reopened on 10 April, but this ceremony marks the official resumption of religious activities. For worshippers, it is a moment of relief, but also a call to the world: fighting antisemitism is not a slogan, but a democratic necessity.
Hector Cornet d’Auquier for the Belgian Coalition for Israel
Fighting antisemitism is not a slogan!
The Eurovision Song Contest and the controversy over Israel’s participation.
More than a thousand musicians and singers have called for a boycott of the Eurovision Song Contest because of Israel’s participation.
Behind the collective “No Music for Genocide” lies a barely concealed international campaign to destabilise democratic values. In its first phase, this reprehensible action seeks to isolate a country that has been attacked for decades by terrorist organisations, which are recognised as such by many countries and international institutions.
Like far too many poorly informed and skilfully manipulated people, artists too are now being held hostage by lies.
These are often relatively unknown artists who may be seeking free publicity.
Yet the Eurovision Song Contest itself, whose greatest merit is to bring peoples closer together and promote peace through a non-political celebration of music, is now coming under pressure from this appalling cancel culture.
It is the world turned upside down! We had, however, been warned: “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who turn darkness into light and light into darkness, who turn bitter into sweet and sweet into bitter!” (Isaiah 5:20).
Lies are indeed powerful! That is why this proverb should always guide our thoughts and inspire our choices: “A simple person believes every word, but a prudent person watches their steps.” (Proverbs 14:15).
At a time when antisemitic violence in our own streets is increasing alarmingly and shamefully, we unfortunately see that the venom spread over the centuries continues to poison the whole world. The people chosen by the Almighty remain the scapegoat for weak minds. And for the lie that seeks to control the world, antisemitism provides a convenient cover: camouflage for the true enemy.
Hector Cornet d’Auquier for the Belgian Coalition for Israel
Would you like to attend a festival bringing together musicians and all people of goodwill in support of peace, truth and solidarity? Join us on 31 May at the Shalom Festival on the Groenplaats in Antwerp.
Watch the Shalom Festival video
Would you like to join us and make this an unforgettable day? We invite you to attend, share the invitation with your friends and members of your community, and take an active part.
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Donations are welcome to the following account:
Koinonia Ministries
IBAN: BE79 9734 1441 3033
Reference: Shalom Festival 2026
Shalom,
Contact details:
info@bcisrael.be
www.bcisrael.be
Tel: +32 484 86 73 63
Instead of making a bank transfer, you can also donate an amount of your choice by scanning the QR code in your banking app. Please scan the QR code from within the banking app itself, rather than directly with your smartphone’s camera.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT OUR SHALOM FESTIVAL WEBSITE
