Huge protest in Brussels against Europe's rising antisemitism

Thousands of people demonstrated in Brussels on Sunday against antisemitism amid concern in Belgium's Jewish community over the rising number of antisemitic incidents in Europe

People hold a banner reading "Union against antisemitism makes strength" during a demonstration against antisemitism, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Brussels, Belgium December 10, 2023. REUTERS/Johanna Geron

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Thousands of people demonstrated in Brussels on Sunday against antisemitism amid concern in Belgium's Jewish community over the rising number of antisemitic incidents in Europe since the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks on Israel and the launch of Israel's offensive in Gaza.

Police estimated the number of protesters at around 4,000. In a peaceful rally, they waved Belgian flags and held banners reading: "You don't have to be Jewish to march against antisemitism" and "Jewish joy is resistance".

(Reporting by Jan Strupczewski; Editing by Ros Russell)