History
Founded in 1895, Jesode Hatorah is the oldest Jewish day school in Antwerp. It was established to provide a traditional Torah-based education alongside general studies for the growing Orthodox community in the city. Over the decades, it expanded its facilities to accommodate both boys' and girls' divisions (known as Beth Jacob for girls), becoming a cornerstone of traditional Jewish life in Antwerp.
World War II and Rebuilding
During the German occupation of Belgium in World War II, the school was forced to close, and many of its teachers and students were deported. Following the liberation of Antwerp in September 1944, survivors immediately set out to rebuild the community. Jesode Hatorah-Beth Jacob officially reopened its doors in May 1945, playing a crucial role in restoring normalcy and educational continuity for returning families.
Today
Today, Jesode Hatorah-Beth Jacob is a large and thriving educational institution serving Antwerp’s Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) community. It is recognized and subsidized by the Belgian government, providing high-standard secular education alongside intensive Jewish and Torah studies. It remains a key pillar of Antwerp's exceptionally high rate of day-school enrollment.
Community Archive
