Belgian ambassador summoned for coffee: when diplomacy meets circumcision

In the Belgian capital of Brussels this week, a real diplomatic scandal is unfolding that by Liepāja standards would just be a regular Tuesday. The American ambassador is being summoned for a "meeting," which in diplomatic language means: "Come here, we'll explain how to speak properly."

It all started when US Ambassador Mike Waite criticized Belgian authorities for investigating three mohels in Antwerp. They performed circumcision procedures without doctors present, which is prohibited under local laws. "Well, here in Liepāja not all our barbers are licensed either, but we don't go starting international scandals," comments local diplomacy expert Jānis from Karosta.

Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib announced that any claims about Belgian antisemitism are "false, offensive and unacceptable." This is the diplomatic equivalent of saying "You're an idiot," just more politely. Lahbib also emphasized that "personal attacks on the minister violate diplomatic norms" - apparently the Americans haven't studied on Liepāja's trams, where we know how to express dissatisfaction culturally.

Most interesting is that 60 Jewish leaders already wrote a letter to the European Commission last year, complaining about Belgium's actions. So this isn't the first time Belgium has had misunderstandings about religious traditions. "Here in Liepāja we have different denominations, but we all meet in the same café and talk about the weather," philosophically notes Dzidra from the Center. "No scandals."

Now Brussels awaits what the ambassador will say on Tuesday at the "meeting." Perhaps he'll learn that in diplomacy, just like at Liepāja's port, it's important to know when to speak and when it's better to stay quiet.