Brussels – Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot has summoned U.S. Ambassador to Belgium Bill White to a meeting following White’s public criticism of the Belgian judicial system and accusations of antisemitism, according to a statement released by Prévot’s office Monday.
The diplomatic dispute stems from an ongoing investigation in Antwerp involving three mohels, practitioners of Jewish ritual circumcision. Police conducted searches at their residences in May of last year, investigating whether the circumcisions were performed without the necessary medical oversight, as required by Belgian law.
Ambassador White responded to the investigation with a lengthy post on X, asserting that the prosecution of the mohels constitutes a “belachelijke en antisemitische vervolging” – a “ridiculous and antisemitic persecution.” He directly called on Belgian Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke to intervene and allow the practitioners to continue their work, stating they have been performing this practice for “thousands of years.” White also described Vandenbroucke as “very impolite.”
Minister Prévot swiftly condemned White’s statements as “inacceptables” – unacceptable – and “erroné,” – incorrect – characterizing the suggestion that Belgium is antisemitic as “désinformation dangereuse” – dangerous disinformation. Prévot emphasized that Belgium unequivocally condemns antisemitism and that the protection of religious freedom within the bounds of the law is a fundamental principle of the Belgian state.
“The Belgian legislation authorizes ritual circumcision when it is practiced by a qualified doctor in compliance with strict health and safety standards,” Prévot stated. “The specific case mentioned is the subject of a judicial investigation. I refrain from commenting on an ongoing procedure.”
According to reports, Ambassador White intends to visit Antwerp next week to meet with the three mohels involved in the investigation and has invited both Vandenbroucke and Conner Rousseau, the chairman of the Vooruit party, to accompany him.
The Foreign Ministry has confirmed that the meeting between Prévot and White will capture place Tuesday. No further details regarding the agenda or anticipated outcomes have been released.
