NMBS 942 (type MS86) in Vilvoorde railway station. Photo: wiki commons.

Passengers traveling from Brussels to Namur on Thursday via Belgium’s national railway company SNCB were shocked when they heard the following over the train’s loudspeaker: “Welcome to the train to Auschwitz. All Jews are asked to get off in Buchenwald.”

According to a statement from SNCB, the man who made the announcement was not an employee of the company, saying “SNCB harshly condemns the act”.

The European Jewish Parliament (EJP) and European Jewish Union (EJU) have come out strongly against the remark, noting that just two weeks ago the world commemorated the murders of millions of European Jews.

“Two weeks ago we marched in Auschwitz where thousands of Jews were murdered on a daily basis,” said Tomer Orni, head of the EJU and leader of the United Kingdom’s EJP delegation. We will NEVER accept such remarks, not in Europe nor anywhere else.”

In a statement sent to reporters, the European groups applauded the swift action taken by SNCB following the announcement made over the train’s speaker system.

“EJP and EJU appreciate the immediate reaction of the National Railway Company of Belgium (SNCB) ‘strongly condemning these actions’ and note the transport company’s press secretary’s statement that the announcement was not made by a member of its staff.”