Synagogue in Liege Damaged by Early Morning Explosion
An explosion has caused significant damage to a synagogue in the eastern Belgian city of Liege, with authorities swiftly condemning the incident as a targeted antisemitic attack. The blast occurred at approximately 4:00 AM local time on Monday, March 9, 2026, shattering windows of the synagogue and a nearby building across the street.
Authorities Condemn Despicable Antisemitic Act
Belgium's Interior Minister Bernard Quintin issued a strong statement, labeling the explosion as "a despicable antisemitic act that directly targeted the Jewish community." He emphasized that security measures around similar religious sites would be reinforced in response to this violent incident.
Liege Mayor Willy Demeyer described the attack as an "extremely violent act of antisemitism" during an interview with RTBF. He expressed concern about external conflicts being imported into the city, indirectly referencing recent US-Israeli strikes on Iran, though he clarified that no direct link has been established.
Investigation Underway by Counter-Terrorism Unit
Police have cordoned off the affected street as specialist officers from the counter-terrorism unit conduct a thorough investigation into the explosion. Mayor Demeyer indicated that the blast involved a device, suggesting it was intentional and targeted, though police have not yet confirmed the exact cause.
Online images circulated showing damage to the synagogue's wooden front door, with blown-out windows visible in the aftermath. Fortunately, no injuries were reported from the early morning explosion.
Jewish Community Leaders Express Grave Concern
Yves Oschinsky, president of the Committee of Jewish Organisations of Belgium, told RTBF that the incident was "extremely worrying, serious and concerning" for the Jewish community in Belgium. This attack follows a pattern of increased antisemitic incidents across Europe, including a recent synagogue attack in Manchester.
The explosion in Liege comes just days after Belgian authorities arrested four individuals on suspicion of spying on the Jewish community, highlighting growing security challenges. Belgian broadcaster VRT first reported the explosion, with images from Belga/Shutterstock showing police securing the area afterward.
As investigations continue, community leaders and officials are calling for heightened vigilance and solidarity against antisemitic violence, emphasizing the need to protect religious freedom and safety for all citizens in Belgium.
