A 41-year-old Jewish man was violently assaulted in the Brussels Metro, in what the victim and authorities believe was a clearly antisemitic attack, reports European Jewish Press.
The incident took place on Friday in Brussels, when the victim, identified only as David, was approached by one of three assailants who asked him for directions. He believes this was a deliberate distraction before the group launched their attack.
According to his account, the men knocked him to the ground, struck him in the face, and beat him while making references to Jews. During the assault, they tore a chain bearing a Star of David from his neck — an item of deep personal significance that had been a gift from his father decades earlier.
“They were talking about Jews while they were beating me,” David said, adding that the antisemitic nature of the attack was “beyond doubt.”
He also noted that the attackers ignored other valuables, including his phone and wallet, which were within easy reach. This, he said, strongly suggests the assault was motivated by his visible Jewish identity rather than theft.
His glasses were broken during the attack, leaving him unable to properly see as the attackers fled. He attempted to pursue them near the Yser metro station but was unable to catch them due to his impaired vision.
The victim has filed a police report, and authorities are expected to review surveillance footage from the metro system in an effort to identify the suspects.
The incident adds to growing concerns about antisemitic violence in European cities, particularly when individuals are targeted for visible signs of Jewish identity, such as religious symbols or clothing.
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