Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel took part Sunday in a memorial ceremony for the four victims of last year’s attack at the Jewish Museum in Brussels.
On 24 May 2014, an armed man entered the Jewish Museum, located in the centrum of Brussels, near the Great Synagogue, an killed in cold blood four people, Emanuel and Miriam Riva, a couple of Israeli tourists, and Dominique Sabrier, a French volunteer, died instantly.
Alexandre Strens, an employee of the museum who stand at the entrance desk, died of his injuries ten days later.
The alleged gunman, Mehdi Nemmouche, a 29-year-old Franco-Algerian Islamist who had traveled to Syria to fight with jihadist groups, was arrested in southern France a few days after the attack. He was found in possession of weapons similar to those seen on the museum's surveillance cameras. He was extradited to Belgium to stand trial.
“A year later we must maintain a sense of indignation and anger against this violent act,” said Brussels Mayor Yvan Mayeur as he spoke as he spoke outside the museum to a crowd of several hundred people.
“It’s a terrorist and anti-Semitic act which is unacceptable for us, especially in a city like Brussels which is an open and cosmopolitan city where 160 nationalities live together,” he said.
He sought to reassure the Jewish community in Belgium who are increasingly worried about their safety and considering leaving the country because of the increase of anti- Semitic acts.
"Brussels is Jewish because all Jews have their place in Brussels," said the Mayor.
The museum was closed exceptionally Sunday to allow staff to privately commemorate the event. A religious service will be held next week at the Brussels Great Synagogue.
Belgian premier Michel has announced that his government would continue to reinforce security for Jews and other Belgians threatened by terrorism.
“To be here is also a determination to act against anti-Semitism, act against radicalism, against terrorism,” he said.
Between 35,000 and 40,000 Jews live in Belgium.