He explained, “Since Shabbat the city has been paralyzed. The synagogues were closed, something which has not happened since World War Two. People are praying alone or are holding small minyanim [small prayer groups] at private homes. Schools and theaters are closed as are most large stores and public events are not permitted. We live in fear and wait for instructions from the police or the government.”

Gigi noted that the Belgian Jewish population is at 50,000 (25,000 in Brussels/18,000 in Antwerp), noting there has been a migration of Jews to Israel “as well as emigration to Canada and the US. People understand there is no future for Jews in Europe.”