Heritage Dialogue
Strengthening Tradition & Values
Heritage Dialogue was founded as a non-profit group in order to assist Jewish communities with the next generation of threats potentially undermining their future.
We aim to create a broad base of support and tolerance through dialogue and respect towards our heritage.
We work closely with Jewish organizations and rabbinical authorities throughout Europe and the world.
Heritage Dialogue
About Us
We are an international non-profit organization aimed at advancing issues such as religious tolerance and respect for tradition by creating a dialogue on our shared values and heritage.
Tolerance and acceptation of religious values, practices and traditions are under threat. No place more so than in Europe where secularism is fast becoming the norm. Militant voices are ever more advocating restrictions on religion and traditions that are thousands of years old.
Jewish practices, so called immaterial heritage, often dating back thousands of years, have suddenly been caught in the middle of it. The display of religious symbols are being restricted or limited, not just in official capacities but also in schools and with voices calling for a complete ban on wearing any religious symbol including on public transport, in hospitals and in parks.
Shechita, ritual slaughter, has been banned or limited in various countries, including in those with sizeable Jewish communities. Next up on the agenda: Brit Milah or the ancient custom of male circumcision, a cornerstone of Jewish life and a defining physical act first performed in the Bible by Abraham.
A cornerstone of our message is dialogue. We believe that with proper explanation of the practices, their background, technical features and importance, we can restore a balanced equilibrium for all parties and citizens.
Our Mission
Heritage Dialogue was founded as a non-profit group in order to assist Jewish communities with the next generation of threats potentially undermining their future. We aim to create a broad base of support and tolerance through dialogue and respect towards our heritage. We work closely with Jewish organizations and rabbinical authorities throughout Europe and the world.
Timeline
September 2019 – Founding
December 2019 – Creation strategic advisory board
February 2020 – Roadmap and steering committee
June 2020 – Launch new website
November 2020 – First annual Conference
PEOPLE
Heritage Dialogue was founder by MP Michael Freilich from Belgium and Yair Itzhar Belachovsky from Israel
MICHAEL FREILICH is a prominent voice within the Jewish community in Belgium and has been active in various public advocacy roles. He was editor in chief of the Belgian Jewish News, Joods Actueel, for 12 years. He is currently a member of the Belgian Federal Parliament seating in the influential Defense and Economics Committees in Parliament.
“I see how many of our communities are struggling, this is especially true for cities with small or decentralized Jewish institutions that lack the resources or expertise to fight organized lobby groups.Heritage Dialogue aims to help these communities by giving them the tools required such as professional expertise, PR advice and the necessary scientific research.”
YAIR ITZHAR BELACHOVSKY is a successful business executive active in real estate in Europe and the Middle East. He is a member of the Israeli Bar Association and holds a Bachelor in Business Administration from IDC Herzliya and a masters in Government Specialization in Counter-Terrorism. Yair has chaired various philantrophic actions including the renewal of the historical site of the Tel Chai battle in Israel.
“There are many commendable organizations who are defending Israel’s right to exist, create Holocaust awareness or fight the rising tide of anti-Semitism. However there is a definite need for a movement whose goal and aim it is to explain, defend and protect Jewish religious customs and traditions. Heritage Dialogue aims to be at the forefront of this fight”.
