BRUSSELS — Jewish leaders on Wednesday condemned a move by Antwerp prosecutors to refer two Jewish ritual circumcisers to court, warning it could undermine core religious rights.

Rabbi Menachem Margolin, chairman of the European Jewish Association, called the decision a serious escalation and said it risks sending a chilling message to Jewish communities in Belgium.

He said the case raises broader concerns about the ability of Jews to practice their faith freely, adding that public assurances of support for Jewish life must be matched by concrete action.

Belgian authorities have not publicly responded in detail to the criticism.