Belgium

The Belgian Jewish community currently numbers around 42,000 (out of a total population of 10.5 million), most of whom live either in Brussels or Antwerp, the two largest cities. Whereas Jews in the mainly French-speaking capital Brussels are mostly secular, the Dutch-speaking port city of Antwerp has Europe’s largest Hasidic community, including followers of the traditions of Belz, Ger, Czortkow, Lubavitch, Satmar and Vishnitz.

Belgium has 45 active synagogues, 30 of which, all Orthodox, are in Antwerp. Brussels has more than 10 synagogues, including two Reform congregations – one of them English speaking – and three Sephardic synagogues.

Whereas Antwerp has an abundance of kosher restaurants, food stores, and Jewish bookshops, such facilities are relatively sparse in Brussels, although there are two well attended community centers.

A Jewish Museum in central Brussels informs visitors about the history of Belgian Jewry.