EUJS Raises Concerns Over Anti-Semitic Stereotyping in Belgian Media
On October 30, 2024, the European Union of Jewish Students (EUJS) - GTTO partner in Belgium - sent a formal letter to Belgian news outlet RTL regarding an article titled “How many millionaires and billionaires are there really in Belgium?” published on September 30, 2024. The article, which discussed wealth distribution in Belgium, included an illustration featuring gold bars, Israeli shekels, and a seven-branched menorah, a well-known Jewish symbol.
EUJS expressed concern over the imagery, arguing that it reinforced harmful stereotypes about Jewish people, particularly the association between Jews and wealth. The letter stated, “The illustration implies that the millionaires and billionaires of Belgium are Jews. This has the effect of aggravating the stereotypes and prejudices that are already too numerous in our society.” EUJS stressed that such visual representations risk perpetuating misconceptions about the Jewish community, contributing to discrimination and misunderstanding.
The Impact of Harmful Stereotypes
EUJS highlighted the broader implications of such imagery, emphasising that the resurgence of antisemitism around the world requires greater responsibility from the media. Stereotypes about Jewish wealth, a common antisemitic trope that has been used for centuries to justify violence and discrimination, continues to fuel harmful narratives about the Jewish community.
A Call for Greater Sensitivity
EUJS’s complaint underscores the critical role media plays in shaping public perception, especially regarding sensitive topics like antisemitism. The EUJS calls for RTL to be more careful in its reporting, avoiding imagery and language that could reinforce harmful stereotypes. They stress that the media must be mindful of its impact, particularly at a time when antisemitism is on the rise globally. By adopting a more thoughtful and responsible approach to reporting, journalists can help combat prejudice and promote greater understanding in society.
For more details, please read EUJS’s translated full letter here.
Brussels, 30 October 2024
Dear Madam, Sir,
We are writing to you on behalf of the European Union of Jewish Students (EUJS) to express our concerns about the article "How many millionaires and billionaires are there really in Belgium?" published on your website on September 30, 2024, the link to which can be found below.
Indeed, we were intrigued by the illustration that had been chosen for this article, which you have since removed, representing gold bars as well as the local Israeli currency, shekels, clearly identifiable by its Hebrew characters and the seven-branched candlestick, an omnipresent symbol in Judaism.
Below is a screenshot we took from this article, just before the photo in question was removed and replaced with the video currently visible on your site.
Screenshot of article on RTL
We deplore the initial choice of this illustration. In our eyes, this photo abjectly implies that the millionaires and billionaires of Belgium are Jews. This has the effect of aggravating the stereotypes and prejudices that are already too numerous in our society in the clutter of this group of people.
In view of the events of recent months and the resurgence of anti-Semitism in our country and throughout the world, we would like to ask you, in the future, to pay more attention to the way in which events are relayed in your various articles, in order to avoid as much as possible new abuses.
We remain at your disposal if you wish to discuss any of the issues raised in this letter. In advance we thank you for your responsiveness.
Sincerely,
The European Union of Jewish Students
