Firm refuses to insure Belgian kindergarten, says risk of terrorist attack is too high

Gabe Friedman

(JTA) — A Belgian insurance company has refused to insure a Jewish kindergarten in Brussels after claiming that the risk of a terror attack on the school is too high.

The kindergarten, which is run by the European Jewish Association, has reinforced doors that require a security code, but that did not satisfy the insurance company in light of recent terrorist attacks across Europe.

“It is truly a scandal,” said EJA General Director Rabbi Menachem Margolin in a statement on Tuesday. “First and foremost, not enough is being done in order to secure Jewish institutions throughout Europe – despite our repeated requests and warnings — and then insurance companies are using the security situation as an excuse in order not to insurance kindergartens.”

“This is the bizarre and cynical reality facing Jewish communities across Europe,” Margolin added.

The kindergarten is located in the same district of Brussels as the European Union headquarters.