High-ranking EU circles express concerns that officials and ministers may be stopped at the US border on their way to the World Cup this summer.
Troubles continue to mount for the 2026 World Cup, scheduled to take place in stadiums across the US, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19, 2026. The Donald Trump administration is reportedly considering banning entry to the United States for European leaders, ministers, and officials wishing to travel for the tournament if they are deemed to have promoted policies that Washington characterizes as antisemitic. "We are holding countries accountable for ministers who make such statements, and they are not allowed entry into the country," stated Yehuda Kaploun, an Orthodox rabbi appointed by Donald Trump as a special envoy for monitoring and combating antisemitism. These remarks were made during a conference in Brussels, as reported by Euractiv.
EU concern over potential border checks
In high-ranking circles of the European Union, concerns are being voiced that officials and ministers may be detained at the US border while traveling to the World Cup this summer. According to a European official, Kaploun explicitly linked the issue of antisemitism to tournament access. In recent weeks, a series of attacks and bombings have been recorded at synagogues in Belgium, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, with authorities investigating potential links to Hezbollah. Kaploun argued that antisemitism in Europe has reached levels not seen since 1933, sparking intense reactions.
Possibility of further measures remains open
When asked about the next steps for the US, Kaploun stated that the government could take "any measure deemed necessary" by the Secretary of State and the President to protect the Jewish community, without providing specific details.
Belgium in the crosshairs
Belgium is at the center of US criticism, partly due to a court case involving Jewish ritual circumcisers in Antwerp, home to a significant ultra-Orthodox community. The American Ambassador to Belgium, Bill White, openly accused the Belgian government of antisemitism, allegations that were rejected by the country's authorities. At a European Jewish Association event, White maintained that the situation is grave, stating that "people are saying they no longer feel safe."
Support from Washington and tensions with European diplomats
Kaploun emphasized that White has the full support of the US government, expressing bewilderment as to why Belgium persists in its current stance. During meetings in Brussels, Kaploun reportedly clashed with a German diplomat who rejected the view that Europe is lenient toward crime. According to sources, the two sides primarily disagreed on the approach to prevention and education.
Intervention regarding the Catholic Church
Referring to Donald Trump and his criticisms of the Pope, Kaploun stated that he does not believe there is a conflict of roles, adding that the Catholic Church should be more active in global issues. As he put it, if there were prejudice against Christians, Trump would not remain silent but would speak out publicly about what is right and what is wrong.
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