A dispute about urban pollution in the Belgian city of Antwerp has escalated into a political maelstrom involving gold and allegations of greed and antisemitism.
The fight, which has been brewing for years, involves the Value Trading gold refinery, which is situated in the heart of a heavily Jewish neighborhood of Antwerp, home to about 18,000 Jews, most of whom are Haredi.
Following recent protests by Antwerp Jews over alleged pollution by the refinery, the latter suggested the allegations and campaign were part of an attempt to take over the firm’s real estate by Jews pretending to be worried about their health.
The affair, which prompted accusations of antisemitism against Value Trading, is unfolding amid concerns by Antwerp Jews for the viability of their community due to antisemitism by Arabs and nationalists, as well as bans on the practice of Jewish customs by a coalition of xenophobic right-wingers and liberals who prioritize secular causes over freedom of worship.
Residents have for years alleged that pollution from the refinery is causing health problems in the neighborhood, ranging from a stinging sensation in residents’ eyes to what the locals say is an abnormal number of cancer cases in people living near the refinery. Value Trading has dismissed these claims, stating that it strictly adheres to safety procedures.
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