Study Accuses Belgium of Collaborating (AP)

[everythingsxen]

BRUSSELS, Belgium(AP)

A government-backed report released Tuesday blamed Belgian authorities and the ruling elite for collaborating with the Nazi persecution of Jews during World War II.

Although Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt has already recognized the level of collaboration, the report was the first time it had been presented in such detail.

"The Belgian authorities cooperated with the racial anti-Jewish policies during the occupation," and acted in a way "unworthy for a democracy," said the study.

The report documents how an influx of Jewish refugees from Germany in the 1930s combined with a turn to the political right because of an economic crisis created an unsavory mix where anti-Semitism and right-wing extremism could rise.

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[Joe for Clark]

1. Don't be hard on them -

Almost every country fell to the Nazis on the contintent then.

I'd make a distinction between the government and the people.

The people in Liege - they were exceptional people. They really helped us after the Bulge - really brave people.

joe

[everythingsxen]

2. Well tell the Belgians not to be hard on themselves..

it's their report.

[Joe for Clark]

3. As you say.

[azurnoir]

4. It is surprising that these facts dd not come to

light until now, most people just assume that western Europe was more protective of Jews living in those countries.
There is a warning in this story-anytime anywhere a mix of bad economic conditions and extremest politics can result in the scapegoating of any group who is labeled "not us". In the US Mexicans or Latinos of any national origin could be in danger, in the EU I believe it is Muslims especially those of African origin.

[theaudacity]

5. I've said it before and I'll say it again. Fuck Belgium.