In Leuven (Flemish Brabant) Ilana Sumka has just been appointed as a Jewish rabbi and is currently the country's only female rabbi. She is the spiritual leader of the progressive Jewish community “Ohel Yachdav”. The Leuven community attracts members from all over the country. They are often looking for a community where they are accepted, regardless of their sexual orientation, beliefs or opinions about Israel. ‘For years I worked as a peace activist in the Palestinian occupied territories. I wanted every Jew to have that experience.’
Religion & Philosophy
Belgium now boasts first female rabbi
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Ilana Sumka’s position can be compared to that of a Roman Catholic parish priest. Being the only woman at the head of a Jewish community in Belgium is ‘a great honour,’ she says. ‘There are more and more female rabbis worldwide, but in Belgium and neighbouring countries it is still exceptional.’
Sumka grew up in the United States but has lived in various places around the world. During her student days, she became involved in Jewish community life. Before moving to Israel, in New York, she became active as a left-wing activist. ‘In 2006, a friend of mine convinced me to go to the Palestinian city of Bethlehem, an occupied Palestinian city.’
First experience of Israeli occupation
This is where Sumka experienced the Israeli occupation for the first time, she says. ‘It opened my eyes to the violation of the Palestinans' human rights. Something I never learned about as a child. It is an experience I wish every Jew could have. It taught me a great deal and gave me an informed view of the occupation.’
Since then, she has tried to educate the Jewish community about the occupation. In 2010, she met her Belgian husband and has been living in the country ever since. In 2020, she was trained as a rabbi. ‘I have been a leading figure in the Jewish community in Leuven for a long time. Now I am also officially a rabbi.’
The Leuven community was created by people at the university and holds progressive values in high regard. ‘We are a very open community. Men and women are completely equal. We welcome everyone from the LGBTQ+ community and are also open to people with different beliefs. Even people who are critical of Israel.’
Sumka wants to continue along these lines. ‘We are noticing a lot of interest from Jewish people far beyond Leuven, from cities like Ghent and Antwerp. They are looking for a place where they can be themselves. That is why we want to expand our activities. I am very happy in Leuven and feel that our community is embraced. Despite the fact that violence against Jews is growing worldwide, I feel completely safe in Leuven.’
US Ambassador Bill White's intervention
Meanwhile, the debate surrounding statements made by the US ambassador in Belgium, Bill White, continues. White has called the judicial investigation into illegal ritual circumcision anti-Semitic. ‘I think we have to be very careful about using that term lightly. However, we do need to find a creative solution to this problem together.’