Shalom Festival brings religions together at Groenplaats: “In the… (Antwerp)
“Men asked me to be on the board this year and I am very happy to do that. It is important to me that the ties between the Jewish community and the rest of society, in this case specifically the Christian movement, are strengthened,” said Michael Freilich, member of parliament for the N-VA and former editor-in-chief of the magazine. Jewish News.
Palestinians
“In the past, the Jewish community was very suspicious of an outstretched hand from other faith communities. Do they really mean good for us or do they want to convert us from that? But here it is established that submissions can be made in all openness and with respect for each other’s individuality. It’s a motley crew. And the weather also cooperates, which was sometimes different with other editions. All our prayers were answered.”
He continues: “You don’t see something like today very often. It’s also nice that it’s all lighthearted. With food, music, dance, children’s entertainment,… That’s important in the end, it’s about people, about families with children. Here at the Groenplaats you will not hear your hate messages, there is no resentment. There are speeches, of course, but it shouldn’t be too serious. This event even revolves around support for Israel, but well around support for the many Palestinians who also want to live in peace. They don’t all want to blow themselves up and abuse Islam.”
shape are historical organizations striking on Shalom “That’s a shame and Muslims should also be involved in the future, something I definitely want to commit myself to. One idea, for example, is to fly Israeli Arabs to Antwerp. That would be fantastic. They make up little 20 percent of the population, but you hear about them.”
Atmosphere is atmosphere
Antwerp city councilor André Gantman (N-VA) is also present. “I have been involved in organizing this festival for fifteen years. Everyone here is committed to peace and connection with heart and soul and that is a foundation for me.”
One of the exhibitors and co-organizer of Shalom Festival is Charlotte Gutman. “I’m here for ORT, an international network of schools that provides STEM training. We are a Jewish institution, but open to any student who open our door that we propagate the values of Judaism.”
“This is a beautiful, multicultural manifestation that effects peace and understanding between different religions and freedom of expression and makes a statement against anti-Semitism, which is unfortunately rearing its head again. Protestant, evangelical organizations are also present here. I have a lot of respect for that, also their faith is based on the Old Testament. We all dance and sing together today. Whether it’s gospel or klezmer, it doesn’t matter much. Atmosphere is atmosphere.”
malt dumplings
Youth Augusto, Isabelle, Elcamia, and Castro are part of Centro Cristiano Bethel, a church with Brazilian roots. “We were invited to participate in this festival and make known that God wishes peace for everyone. I’m very glad to see that people from just about every country have come here today. And the decoration and the music are also very successful.”
Twins Emma and Godelieve Man van het Kiel ended up at the Groenplaats by chance: “We decided to take a day trip to the city and discovered it. Our franc only fell when we met that gentleman (she points to Michael Freilich) saw, because we had it on this morning the seventh day seen. It’s really cozy here. And they sell excellent smoutebollen here. Very different from the Belgian one, but super tasty. We’re going to stick around for a while and inspect the rest of the stalls. We’re going to skip the Boogie Boy performance, because we think it’s a bit too busy.”
www.shalomfestival.be