An explosion rocked the Belgian city of Liège in the early hours of Monday, causing significant damage to a historic synagogue. The blast occurred at approximately 04:00 local time directly in front of the religious building, shattering windows across the street though fortunately resulting in no injuries.
Local authorities have characterized the incident as a deliberate antisemitic attack. Liège Mayor Willy Demeyer immediately condemned the explosion as targeting the Jewish community, while Prime Minister Bart De Wever expressed solidarity through social media, stating: “Antisemitism is an attack on our values and our society, and we must combat it unequivocally.”
The Belgian federal prosecutor’s office, which handles terrorism and organized crime cases, has assumed leadership of the investigation. Police established an extensive security perimeter around the site, closing the street throughout Monday morning as forensic experts examined evidence including scorch marks and debris visible in photographs from the scene.
Local residents reported being awakened by the powerful blast that shook nearby buildings. One woman residing close to the synagogue told RTBF public broadcaster that she initially mistook the explosion for a gas-related incident.
Interior Minister Bernard Quintin denounced what he called a “despicable antisemitic act that directly targeted Belgium’s Jewish community.” He confirmed that security measures around Jewish institutions would remain heightened, noting that security services had already been on high alert due to concerns about potential threats motivated by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The Liège synagogue, constructed in 1899, additionally functions as a museum documenting the history of the city’s Jewish community according to its website. This incident follows recent security concerns in Belgium, including the October arrest of three individuals suspected of plotting a jihadist-inspired drone attack against Prime Minister De Wever and other politicians.