Lebanese people,who come from various religious andethnic groups,form a distinct community inBelgiumas part of the globalLebanese diaspora.It was estimated in 2006 that there were 8,000 Belgians who identified as Lebanese in terms of origin or descent. More recent estimates put their numbers at only 3,500.[1][2]The majority areBelgian citizensand live in major cities such asBrusselsandAntwerp.In addition, it was reported the same year that 1,200 were living inLebanon.[3]They sometimes refer to themselves asBelgo-LibanaisinFrenchorBelgisch-LibaneesinDutch.[1]
Although small in contrast to the much largerMoroccanandTurkish communities,the different ethnic and religious groups from within Lebanon are represented in Belgium. This includes a significantMaronite Christiancommunity which traces its origin to traders who settled in Belgium during the 19th century. Some Maronites are involved in the trade ofdiamondsin theAntwerp diamond district.[4]Restaurants servingLebanese cuisineexist in numerous Belgian towns and cities.[5]A small Lebanese community existed in theBelgian Congobefore its independence in 1960.[6]
TheArab European Leaguewas founded byDyab Abou Jahjah,Lebanese-Belgian activist, as aPan-Arabist political groupin Belgium which is a vocal exponent ofPalestinian nationalism.It was criticised for participating in violent racist andantisemiticdemonstrations in Antwerp in 2002.[7]The2006 Lebanon Warwas reported to have brought different ethnic and religious denominations within the community together. Around 20 Lebanese-Belgian men are believed to have travelled to Lebanon throughLibyain 2006 to fight against Israel.[1][2]Mohammad Bazzi,a Belgian-Lebanese, has been accused of being a "key financier" ofHezbollah.[8]
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