Meulebeke Author Confronts De Wever on Ben-Gvir Comments

Tielt (Eurotoday Newspaper) – Writer Rino Feys from Meulebeke has addressed an open letter to Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever over statements made by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.

Feys, who once belonged to the De Zondvloed bookshop in Roeselare, wrote to De Wever in reaction to the language used by the Israeli minister that was described by him as aggressive and extremely disturbing. Feys’ reaction puts the statement in a broader discussion concerning Belgium’s stance with regard to the war in Gaza.

Why did Rino Feys write to Bart De Wever?

Feys’s letter was prompted by recent comments attributed to Ben-Gvir concerning Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. The Israeli minister reportedly said,

“I think that we should deliberately kill 30 to 40 people every night.”

The remark was reported in the context of his views on Israel’s actions in Gaza and drew renewed attention to the language used by senior members of the Israeli government.

The statement has been considered especially serious due to the fact that Ben-Gvir is not an individual giving opinions from the sidelines, but rather he is a politician who is actively involved in the work of the Israeli government. The statements and actions of Ben-Gvir have been controversial in the past due to the fact that he has been involved in numerous controversies regarding the Palestinians, Israeli security policies and the war in Gaza. With the letter written to De Wever, Feys asks the Belgian prime minister to react to these statements.

What did Ben-Gvir say about Gaza?

The controversial statement from Ben-Gvir concerned a clear call for assassinating dozens of individuals nightly. It was made as a reaction to the intensity and manner of conducting Israeli army operations in Gaza, where the war resulted in huge destruction and loss of life among civilians. The statement escalated the level of critique against Ben-Gvir, who is seen as one of the most radical personalities in Israeli politics. Critics point out the use of provocative statements and promotion of policy that might escalate tensions. 

However, the supporters of Ben-Gvir defend him as an advocate of more radical actions due to the fact that they are a part of wider demands towards Israel’s aggressive reaction to the threats. This is not only the problem concerning internal politics of Israel; foreign statesmen, human rights groups, and activists worldwide have continuously demanded increased attention to the provocative statements of Israeli officials.

How is Feys connected to Roeselare’s De Zondvloed?

Feys is recognized within the area as both a writer and poet and as the former owner of De Zondvloed bookstore, located in Roeselare. The bookshop was known for being connected to the world of literature and public discourse and provided Feys with the opportunity to voice himself on societal and political matters. Furthermore, the experience Feys gained from book selling and writing has also affected his form of activism. 

In place of a quick response to events, Feys decided to use the means of an open letter, which is used by people when communicating to political leaders and engaging in discussions. Feys has received recognition through his writings before. Feys is defined as a writer and poet from Belgium and has also participated in experimental projects in the sphere of comics and literature.