Four Jewish organisations in Belgium formally filed a complaint against Flemish author Herman Brusselmans, citing concerns of incitement against Jews in his column published in Humo.
The organisations argue that the rhetoric in the article echoes dangerous sentiments reminiscent of the 1930s, a period of increasing antisemitism that culminated in the Holocaust. In addition to holding Brusselmans accountable, the organisations have also targeted DPG Media, the publisher of Humo, for its role in publishing the piece.
The four groups involved in the complaint are the European Jewish Association (EJA), the Forum der Joodse Organisaties (FJO), the Jewish Information and Documentation Centre (JID), and the Israeli Community of Antwerp, Shomre Hadass.
The Belgian League Against Antisemitism (LBCA) has also joined the effort. Their action follows an earlier complaint by Unia, Belgium’s Centre for Equal Opportunities, which prompted the public prosecutor’s office in Ghent to launch an investigation. This formal complaint was officially filed in August 2024.
Who is Herman Brusselmans?
Herman Brusselmans is a well-known Flemish author and satirist, recognised for his provocative and darkly humorous writing style. Having published over 80 books, he is one of Flanders’ most prolific authors, known for his irreverent commentary on social issues. His work often straddles the line between satire and controversy, and he has long been a polarising figure in the literary world.
Born in 1957 in Hamme, East Flanders, Brusselmans gained prominence in the 1980s and has remained a dominant figure in Flemish culture since then. His provocative approach to literature has sparked numerous debates, with critics often accusing him of pushing the boundaries of free speech to their limits. The controversy surrounding his Humo column is the latest in a series of disputes that highlight the challenges of balancing satirical expression with responsible discourse.
The Column and Its Fallout
The current controversy centres on a column written by Brusselmans in which he describes seeing an image of a distraught Palestinian boy crying for his mother, who is trapped under rubble. Brusselmans imagines the boy as his own son and the mother as his partner. He then writes, “I become so angry that I want to stab every Jew I encounter with a sharp knife through the throat.” This specific quote ignited outrage among Jewish organisations, who accuse Brusselmans of inciting violence and fostering antisemitic sentiment.
In response to the uproar, the four Jewish organisations decided to take collective legal action. In their formal complaint, they argue that Brusselmans’ language could exacerbate antisemitism in Belgium, drawing disturbing parallels to the 1930s, when antisemitic rhetoric in Europe gradually escalated into mass violence and the Holocaust. The complainants hope that the courts will recognise the serious nature of such incitement and act accordingly.
Legal Action and Media Responsibility
The Jewish organisations are represented by lawyers Sven Mary and David Szafran, who have made it clear that their complaint extends beyond Brusselmans. They assert that Humo‘s editorial team, as well as DPG Media’s CEO, share responsibility for allowing the column to be published. “Without their approval, such inflammatory content would never have seen the light of day,” they argue. As a result, they believe that the individuals overseeing Humo‘s editorial direction must also be held accountable.
The situation has already led to resignations within Humo. Columnist Arnon Grunberg stepped down in protest, signalling his dissatisfaction with the magazine’s handling of the controversy.
“Fantasies about murder, no matter who they are directed at, have no place in a publication, even if disguised as satire. I cannot write for a magazine when I have lost all respect for the editorial leadership.” – told Arnon Grunberg
Grunberg officially announced his resignation on Tuesday, marking the end of a longstanding relationship with the magazine, which had spanned more than two decades.
Dispute Over the Investigation
The legal dispute has escalated further as the Forum der Joodse Organisaties (FJO), the Coordination Committee of Jewish Organisations in Belgium (CCOJB), and the Jonathas Institute announced plans to summon Brusselmans directly before the criminal court. This move will proceed in tandem with the investigation initiated by the Ghent public prosecutor’s office. However, representatives for the Jewish organisations have expressed doubts about the necessity of this investigation.
According to lawyer Julien Uyttendaele, the facts of the case are already clear and do not require further examination. Uyttendaele contends that the investigation would only delay the legal process unnecessarily, as Brusselmans’ statements are explicit and well-documented. He argues that the courts should move directly to address the issue without further delays.
Rising Concerns About Antisemitism
This controversy unfolds against a backdrop of growing concerns about antisemitism in Belgium and across Europe. Jewish leaders and advocacy groups have observed an increase in antisemitic incidents and rhetoric, and many fear that media coverage with violent or hateful undertones could further inflame tensions. The organisations that have lodged the complaint against Brusselmans have warned that public figures and media outlets have a duty to prevent the dissemination of hateful rhetoric that could contribute to real-world violence.
The legal proceedings against Herman Brusselmans and DPG Media are being closely monitored by Jewish organisations and human rights groups both within Belgium and internationally. The complainants are seeking not only justice for the offensive statements made in the column but also greater recognition of the responsibilities that media companies hold in safeguarding against hate speech.
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