Legal fight starts for Belgian kashrut

A similar lawsuit may be filed against the Flanders legislation in early 2018.

It the latest attempt to challenge ritual slaughter, which has been restricted in several European countries.

Denmark abolished an exemption that allowed religious groups to circumvent restrictions on the slaughter of any animal that was not previously stunned, creating a total ban in the country.

Yohan Benizri, president of the CCOJB, said: “A ban on kosher meat production sends a message to Belgian Jews that they can choose between living in Belgium and practicing their religion, but they cannot do both. It sends a clear message to Belgium’s Jewish and Muslim communities that they are not welcome here.

“This is a violation of the rule of law and of the freedom of religion of Article 10 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and we will challenge it as such, in Wallonia and in Flanders.”

Further stressing this position, Brooke Goldstein, executive director of The Lawfare Project, said:

“This legislation is an attack on religious freedom in Belgium and must be challenged. Belgium’s Jews are a longstanding and integrated community. It is shameful to attack their ability to live a Jewish life as proud Belgian citizens.

“Belgium has become famous for exporting jihadist terror around Europe, but I don’t think that problem can be solved by forcing Jews and Muslims to import religiously suitable meat.”

Richard Verber from Britain’s Board of Deputies supported the legal challenge, saying: “We have previously raised this issue with the Belgian Ambassador to the UK with unsatisfactory results and completely understand that the community has been left with no other option but to pursue all legal avenues open to it.”