A mural honoring Jewish resistance fighter Mala Zimetbaum in Borgerhout, Antwerp, has been defaced with pro-Palestinian graffiti. The words “Free Palestine” were sprayed over the artwork last week in the Montensstraat. Despite repeated efforts by the City of Antwerp’s graffiti removal team, the vandalism has so far proven impossible to remove without damaging the mural itself.
“This is a real shame,” said a local resident stopping by the mural on Monday afternoon. “I understand people are outraged and heartbroken by the horrors unfolding in Gaza. But there are better, more creative ways to protest—graffiti isn’t necessary, and certainly not on this mural.”
The mural pays tribute to Mala Zimetbaum, a Jewish woman from Borgerhout who played a crucial role in the resistance during World War II and saved many lives. In September 1944, after attempting to escape Auschwitz with her partner, she was captured and executed.
“The fact that Mala was Jewish should never be used to justify an act like this,” the resident added. “Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu does not represent all Jews. Far from it—he’s a dangerous madman.”
The graffiti remains visible more than a week after it was discovered on the side wall of local service center Den Bleek. City spokesperson Liesbeth De Maeyer confirmed that the graffiti team responded promptly but encountered difficulties.
“They found that removing the graffiti would inevitably damage the artwork,” she explained. “Another attempt was made on Monday, again without success. It’s extremely difficult in this case—we’ll need stronger material.” A third attempt, this time involving steam cleaning, is scheduled for Tuesday.
Borgerhout district mayor Mariam El Osri (Groen) acknowledged the incident but declined to comment in detail. “We’ve received the reports and are dealing with it,” she said briefly.
