Antisemitic attacks across Europe continue unabated, with the latest attack occurring overnight Monday, when three masked thugs set a car on fire outside a Jewish-owned restaurant in Antwerp, Belgium.

The vehicle did not belong to a Jewish owner, but the arsonists believed it did—with an Iran-linked Islamic terror group later claiming that it targeted Appelmansstraat Street (known for its diamond district)—claiming that it is the most important street in Antwerp, “which has a large Zionist community.”

Thanks to a rapid response by the Chaveirim and Shmira night patrol teams, whose members subdued the blaze with fire extinguishers, the fire was put out before any damage was caused to nearby vehicles.

According to local reports, two suspects were later arrested. The Jewish communal security organizations’ teams continued patrols throughout the night to protect the community.

The Iran-linked Islamic Ashab al-Yamin terror organization, which has been carrying out terror attacks in Jewish kehillos in Europe over the past weeks, claimed responsibility for the act of arson, releasing a video of the attack.

The group also issued a statement saying: “The city of Antwerp in Belgium is one of the most important European cities, characterized by its strategic location and significant economic role, especially in the diamond trade. It also has a large Zionist community, giving it particular religious and cultural significance for some Jews, and it is sometimes referred to as the ‘Jerusalem of the North.’ The most important street in the city, Appelmansstraat, was a target.”

“Operations will continue to escalate and intensify until the liberation of our occupied lands in beloved Palestine and in revenge for the blood of Palestinians, Lebanese, and all Muslims.”

The incident comes two days after a previous incident in London, which the group also claimed responsibility for—the torching of four Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green.

Belgian soldiers have been deployed to Jewish neighborhoods in Antwerp and Brussels in recent days due to the surge in antisemitic attacks. It is unclear if the troops were present during the incident.

Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken announced that troops will also be sent to Liège, where an attack at a shul occurred last week, with Ashab al-Yamin claiming responsibility for that incident as well.

The majority of Belgian Jews live in Antwerp and Brussels, but there are smaller communities as well, including Liège, which is located in Belgium’s French-speaking region and has an Ashkenazi community of about 1,200 Jews, dating back to the 18th century.

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)