About this talk

Belgium, home to the largest Hassidic community in Europe, has been described as the 'most successful failed state in the world'. In this land of surrealism, the Belgian Jewish community mirrors its nation, exhibiting a multifaceted nature—strong yet weak, united yet divided.

Embark on an enlightening journey with Eitan Bergman, a Liège-born Jew who found his way to national and European Jewish institutions. Through his personal and family stories, witness the exceptional character of Belgian Jewry and explore its remarkable evolution throughout history.

We will immerse ourselves in the contrasting Jewish worlds of Antwerp and Brussels—the two poles of Belgian Jewry—and engage in a discussion about the primary challenges confronting the Belgian Jewish community. 

We will also shed light on the uniqueness of Brussels, home to the European Union institutions and a vital hub of Jewish representation in the world. This vibrant city has played a significant role in shaping the Jewish identity within the broader European context, and we will unravel its captivating story together.

About Eitan

Eitan Bergman, born in Liège, Belgium, is the Executive Director of the European Union of Jewish Students (EUJS), the umbrella organization of Jewish student unions in 36 countries across Europe.

He is an elected Executive member and Secretary General of the umbrella organization of the Belgian Jewish community, the Coordination Committee of Jewish Organizations in Belgium (CCOJB), and a member of the World Jewish Congress Jewish Diplomatic Corps (WJC JDCorps).