The gala dinner of the Coordinating Committee of Belgian Jewish Organizations was held on Thursday, September 6, 2018 at Concert noble hall in Brussels.

Prime Minister, Charles Michel was the guest of honour

More than 300 guests took part in this evening as an annual meeting in Brussels calendar which gathered political officials, ambassadors, religious dignities, religious dignitaries, leaders of the private sectors or media.

Edition 2018 which was held a few days before the Jewish new year, was the occasion, after  presenting wishes for 5779, of an open and direct exchange between the President of the CCOJB, Yohan Benizri and Belgium Prime Minister Mr Charles Michel.

The President of the CCOJB, shared in his speech his concerns and uncertainties of the Jews of Belgium, he drew the attention of the Prime Minister in particular to the multiplication of daily anti-Jewish actions which force the community leaders among other measures to increase financial expenditure in order to protect schools, synagogues and other buildings.

The Jewish authorities also worry about the influence of anti-Semitism which is conveyed through Internet and is not, according to Yohan Benizri, fought by adapted legal instruments and which authors are not punished with the appropriate severity.

In answer to the concerns expressed by Yohan Benizri and beyond the Israeli-Palestinian question, Charles Michel reaffirmed that it the State could not even slightly renounce to its responsibilities towards the Jewish families of Belgium victims of anti-Semitism, and that the government will ensure his duty of protection without weakening.

In his warm speech which was appreciated by all the guests, Mr Charles Michel, explained in his conclusion that the gathering organized by the CCOJB is at the same time a message of unity and a message of hope, as he pointed out the positive influence of the Jewish thought in our societies and the important contribution of Jews to Belgium and all of Europe.