Belgian Carnival

Jewish humor: When punchlines create punching bags... or worse

Self-deprecating humor not only keeps people humble, it helps people out of difficult situations or keeps them alive.

A FLOAT with an effigy of a Jew is seen during the carnival at Aalst, Belgium, on February 23.
A FLOAT with an effigy of a Jew is seen during the carnival at Aalst, Belgium, on February 23.

Keeping antisemitism afloat at the Aalst carnival

Giant figures are seen during the 87th carnival parade of Aalst February 15, 2015

The ugly antisemitism at the Aalst carnival

People wearing costumes that resemble Jewish religous people. The costume is called De Klaugmier, which means an ant who complains

Aalst parade features cross-dressing hassids with big noses


Belgian carnival to double down on antisemitic displays

If the parade goes as planned, “it will be a moral blot on Belgium,” Ambassador to Belgium Emmanuel Nahshon said.

Giant figures are seen during the 87th carnival parade of Aalst February 15, 2015

UNESCO removes carnival from heritage list over antisemitism allegations

It featured antisemitic figures, including caricatured Jews with money and rats. “We are neither antisemitic nor racist," the mayor said. "Aalst will always remain the capital of mockery and satire."

Giant figures depicting Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel (C) and other politicians are seen during the 87th carnival parade of Aalst February 15, 2015. The Aalst Carnival, which is inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, often shows informal groups

GOT star cancels Belgium appearance over parade with Jewish caricatures

Giant figures depicting Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel (C) and other politicians are seen during the 87th carnival parade of Aalst February 15, 2015. The Aalst Carnival, which is inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, often shows informal groups

'Antisemitic' Belgian carnival gives up UNESCO status

Aalst mayor: Mocking Jews ‘unavoidable’ in the 2020 carnival

Giant figures depicting Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel (C) and other politicians are seen during the 87th carnival parade of Aalst February 15, 2015. The Aalst Carnival, which is inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, often shows informal groups

UNESCO to vote on cutting ties with Belgian carnival where Jews were mocked

It is the first time that a place or event has been put forth for delisting.

Giant figures are seen during the 87th carnival parade of Aalst February 15, 2015

Weisenthal Center to Belgian PM: Act against Aalst parade

The letter pointed out that while several UNESCO member-states had called for the delisting of the carnival, Belgian officials are reportedly lobbying "for a simple rebuke."

Giant figures are seen during the 87th carnival parade of Aalst February 15, 2015

'Antisemitic' Belgian carnival continues to rouse Jewish anger

"These ribbons represent a wilful desire to offend,” European Jewish representative says.

Giant figures are seen during the 87th carnival parade of Aalst February 15, 2015

Steps afoot to remove UNESCO status from ‘antisemitic’ Belgian carnival

Close to 16,000 signatures for online petition to delist ‘antisemitic’ Aalst Carnival from UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

Giant figures are seen during the 87th carnival parade of Aalst February 15, 2015