Security measures have been strengthened in the "diamond" quarter of Antwerp in connection with possible terrorist attacks by Islamists, Belgian media reported.
Belgium is home to Europe's largest Orthodox Jewish diaspora, which unites about 20,000 people. They are primarily based in Antwerp and are engaged in the diamond business. Antwerp today accounts for 80% of diamond sales and over 50% of diamond sales. Diamond business directly and indirectly provides income for 34 thousand inhabitants of Antwerp.
According to media reports, the security measures in the "diamond" quarter of Antwerp have been strengthened at the request of AWDC after bus explosion on November 21 near the Diamond Exchange in Tel Aviv, whereby 22 people had been injured.
"There is no direct link between Antwerp and this act of terrorism. This is a precautionary measure, and we call for greater vigilance, "- said an AWDC press-officer.
In the previous weekend two concerts with the participation of Jewish artists in Antwerp were interrupted after signals of a bomb planted in the buildings where cultural events where taking place. Observers attributed this to the events surrounding the Gaza Strip.
Last Wednesday a truce between Israel and Palestinian factions from Gaza Strip came in force under US-Egyptian mediation. On Friday it was reported that the Israeli military opened fire on a group of residents of the Gaza Strip, having killed one and wounded about 15 people. It was the first armed incident for a day and a half truce.
Alex Shishlo, Editor in Chief of the European Bureau, Rough&Polished
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