Brussels Times uses photo of haredi Jew for coronavirus worldwide article

The photo comes as conflict in both New York and Israel was sparked surrounding haredi gatherings in large quantities despite coronavirus regulations.

OCTOBER 18, 2020 23:02

People wearing protective masks walk in a shopping street amid the coronavirus disease outbreak in Brussels (photo credit: REUTERS/FRANCOIS LENOIR) — People wearing protective masks walk in a shopping street amid the coronavirus disease outbreak in Brussels

(photo credit: REUTERS/FRANCOIS LENOIR)

The Brussels Times, an English language Brussels-based publication, shared an article on Sunday night reporting on the number of coronavirus cases worldwide with the article photo showing an ultra-Orthodox Jewish man with a medical mask standing at the Western Wall.

The choice of photograph received a large wave of negative responses online, some suggesting it to be "uncomfortable" and others accusing the publication of antisemitism.

Israel's Ambassador to Belgium Emmanuel Nahshon tweeted in response, "why did you put a picture of an Orthodox Jew as illustration of your report on worldwide #Covid19 deaths ? It’s unnecessary and unpleasant. Please take it off . Thank you ."

Coronavirus: Global death toll tops 1.1 million. ⁦@BrusselsTimes⁩ - why did you put a picture of an Orthodox Jew as illustration of your report on worldwide #Covid19 deaths ? It’s unnecessary and unpleasant. Please take it off . Thank you . https://t.co/QanfLjWbfc
— Emmanuel Nahshon (@EmmanuelNahshon) October 18, 2020

The photo comes as conflict in both New York and Israel was sparked surrounding haredi gatherings in large quantities despite coronavirus regulations. In Israel, coronavirus commissioner Prof. Ronni Gamzu warned against these gatherings.

In New York, Gov. Andrew Cuomo warned the haredi communities in the state repeatedly against large gatherings. He criticized the ultra-Orthodox community specifically, sparking outrage that he did not address broader groups that were also gathering in large numbers.

The Brussels Times did not respond to The Jerusalem Post's request for comment, but a few minutes after the request was sent, the article photograph was changed to a picture of doctors in protective gear.