Vaera (וארא – “And I appeared”)
Exodus 6:2–9:35 • Ezekiel 28:25–29:21
The first seven plagues strike Egypt, yet Pharaoh remains obstinate. God reaffirms His promise: to free His people and elevate them to an eternal covenant. Ezekiel prophesies the restoration of Israel, the downfall of nations, and divine sovereignty.
Ezekiel 28:26
וְיָשְׁבוּ עָלֶיהָ לָבֶטַח, וּבָנוּ בָתִּים, וְנָטְעוּ כְרָמִים; וְיָשְׁבוּ לָבֶטַח, בַּעֲשׂוֹתִי שְׁפָטִים בְּכָל-הַשְּׁאֵטִים אוֹתָם מִסָּבִיב, וְיָדְעוּ כִּי-אֲנִי ה׳ אלקיהם.
They shall dwell securely, build houses, and plant vineyards; they shall live in safety when I execute judgments upon all those who despise them around them, and they shall know that I am the Lord, their God.
In recent years, the Belgian Jewish community has faced a surge in antisemitic acts [1], growing Islamist radicalization [2], geopolitical tensions [3], and increasing insecurity [4].
Although located in the historic and prestigious Sablons district, within the Great Synagogue of Brussels, the Central Jewish Consistory of Belgium has had to heighten its vigilance and strengthen security measures.
Listed as a heritage site by the Brussels-Capital Region since 1985, the synagogue, inaugurated in 1878, was designed by architect Désiré De Keyser. Built in Neo-Romanesque style with Neo-Byzantine influences, its imposing façade, adorned with round arches and oriental motifs, exemplifies 19th-century monumental art. Inside, the nave is bathed in the light of stained-glass windows created by Henri Dobbelaere. Above the hekhal, four stained-glass panels depict: Moché (staff and serpent, Exodus 7:9), Aaron (censer, Numbers 16:17), Samuel (balance, 1 Samuel 2:3) and David (star, a messianic and identity symbol).
[1] In 2018, during a televised interview on RTBF, Redouane Ahrouch, a Belgian municipal councillor and member of the Islam party, advocated for an Islamic state governed by Sharia law in Belgium.
[2] Rise in antisemitic acts: 277 incidents reported in 2024 compared to 59 in 2023; 68 incidents recorded between July and September 2025. Source: antisemitisme.be, October 2025.
[3] Geopolitical tensions: After October 7, 2023, polarization and importation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict into Belgium. The CCOJB (Wallonia: Coordination Committee of Jewish Organizations of Belgium) and the FJO (Flanders: Forum der Joodse Organisaties) expressed deep concern (June 10, 2025).
[4] Sense of insecurity: According to the EU Fundamental Rights Agency survey published in July 2024, 83% of Belgian Jews believe antisemitism has worsened over the past five years, and nearly half are considering leaving the country. Furthermore, 70% avoid wearing religious symbols in public, and 54% avoid certain places for fear of assault.