 The resistance were instrumental in saving Jews and Roma from deportation to death camps , for instance the attack on the " Twentieth convoy " to Auschwitz . Many Belgians also hid Jews and political dissidents during the occupation , with one estimate putting the number at some 20 @,@ 000 people hidden during the war . There was also significant low @-@ level resistance , for instance in June 1941 , the City Council of Brussels refused to distribute Stars of David badges . Certain high profile members of the Belgian establishment , including Queen Elizabeth and Cardinal van Roey , Archbishop of Malines , spoke out against the German treatment of Jews . So far , 1 @,@ 612 Belgians have been awarded the distinction of " Righteous Among the Nations " by the State of Israel for risking their lives to save Jews from persecution during the occupation . 
