World celebrates New Year's Eve of 2025

In Belgium, particularly in Antwerp's Kiel district, last year's New Year's Eve celebrations were marred by riots that resulted in 60 arrests. Local teacher Ibrahim Ben Mzair took the initiative to address the issues facing the community by organizing a special event at the mosque. Open from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., this gathering is tailored for young individuals aged 14 to 25 and aims to engage them through various activities including lectures, quizzes, a FIFA tournament, and providing free food and drinks. The mosque partnered with local police to ensure a safe environment and to keep tensions low in the neighborhood. Antwerp's mayor, Bart De Wever, faced significant backlash for previously putting 51 young people under house arrest to quell potential riots. Youth workers criticized this action, arguing that providing constructive activities would be a better approach to prevent civil unrest. This year’s planned activities address the root causes of unrest, focusing on engaging local youth by giving them a safe atmosphere to socialize and enjoy New Year's Eve positively. The collaborative event reflects a broader strategy to foster peaceful celebrations while also addressing community grievances. The emphasis on community-led initiatives, spearheaded by figures like Ibrahim Ben Mzair, represents a shift from punitive measures to proactive engagement strategies. As New Year's Eve approaches, local authorities are hopeful that such efforts will yield better outcomes than those experienced last year. Overall, the actions taken in Antwerp serve as an important reminder of the need for positive community interventions to prevent conflict during public celebrations. By prioritizing activities for young people, the city is working hard to defuse potential violence and ensure a more peaceful atmosphere as the neighborhood rings in the new year.