Belgium synagogue blast: Authorities call 'extremely worrying and serious' anti-Semitic act

An explosion occurred overnight Sunday into Monday outside the synagogue in the city of Liège, Belgium, according to local authorities. The windows of the buildings opposite were broken, but there were no casualties, only material damage.

Explosion at the synagogue in the city of Liège PHOTO: X

The street has been closed and will remain so for the duration of the investigation. Police in the city of Liège set up a security perimeter in the immediate vicinity and tarps were placed in front of the building pending the arrival of federal police, according to Lalibre.

Municipal authorities claim that the explosion was caused on purpose. The federal prosecutor's office has been notified and is due to visit the scene during the morning.

The synagogue, built in 1899, also functions as a museum, presenting objects of worship and the history of the Jewish community in Liège.

Official reactions were not delayed. Mayor Willy Demeyer condemned the act.

“It is an extremely violent act of anti-Semitism, contrary to the Liège tradition of respect for others. There can be no question of importing external conflicts into our city.”

And Yves Oschinsky, president of the Committee of Jewish Organizations of Belgium (CCOJB), described the incident as “an extremely worrying and serious anti-Semitic act”according to the Belga news agency.

Investigations continue to establish the exact circumstances of the explosion and to identify the perpetrators.