Unidentified figures threw a Molotov cocktail at a beis
knesses in Antwerp, Belgium following a week filled with
demonstrations and riots against immigrants.
According to Belgian media reports the incident took place
early Shabbos morning, causing no injuries and only slight
damage. Fire fighters quickly extinguished the flames.
Tensions in Antwerp increased last week after a 27-year- old
Moroccan immigrant was shot to death on Tuesday. The incident
led to two days of violent rioting in which the main
participants were members of the city's Arab community. A 66-
year-old Belgian was charged with murdering the young
Moroccan.
On Friday in Belgian authorities issued an indictment against
an Arab worker, accusing him of inciting the riots and
disturbances, injuring a policeman and damaging property.
Approximately 30,000 people of Arab origin live in Antwerp,
whose total population numbers 450,000 residents. The city's
far-right party won 33% of the votes in the last local
elections.
Antwerp is also known for its 20,000-strong chareidi
community, most of whom work in the diamond industry.
