Antisemitism in Belgium is legally recognized as a form of racism, with laws criminalizing incitement to hatred, violence, and discrimination based on Jewish ethnicity, which is legally acknowledged rather than nationality.

Antisemitism in Belgium manifests through hate speech, incitement to violence, discrimination, and Holocaust denial, with Holocaust denial accounting for 70% of cases handled by Unia in 2024.

The current hostile atmosphere toward Jews is linked to perceptions surrounding the Gaza conflict, with some blaming Jews collectively for Israeli government actions, echoing reactions seen after terrorist attacks in Brussels and Paris.

Different definitions of antisemitism exist, including the legal perspective that considers it racism and the broader IHRA definition that includes perceptions and attitudes, which can be exploited politically.

While illegal actions like hate speech and violence are clearly criminalized, broader societal expressions of antisemitism, such as stereotypes at events like carnivals, are not necessarily legally prosecutable.

Recent data shows a rise in antisemitic incidents in Belgium, with 277 reports received by Unia in 2024 and 71 incidents reported in the first half of 2025, highlighting an increasing trend.

Addressing antisemitism in Belgium requires more than legal measures; prevention, education, and raising awareness about Judaism are essential, as many Belgian Jews feel a lack of understanding and societal ignorance about their religion.