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An explosion struck a historic synagogue in the Belgian city of Liège early Monday morning, prompting a terrorism investigation.
The blast occurred around 4 a.m. local time. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. However, the explosion shattered windows at the synagogue and at a building across the street.
Belgium’s federal prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation. Early indications suggested the incident may constitute a terrorist offense. Authorities have not yet confirmed the precise cause of the explosion.
Police quickly sealed off the surrounding area. Meanwhile, investigators began examining the scene. Specialized counter-terrorism personnel and bomb disposal experts also joined the response.
Belgian Interior Minister Bernard Quintin strongly condemned the incident, calling it “an abject antisemitic act that directly targeted Belgium’s Jewish community.” As a result, authorities will strengthen security at similar sites.
Liège Mayor Willy Demeyer said investigators believed the act was intentional. “We condemn this antisemitic act as strongly as possible,” Demeyer said. “We cannot allow foreign conflicts to be imported into our city.”
Jewish leaders in Belgium also expressed deep concern following the attack. For example, Yves Oschinsky, president of the Coordinating Committee of Jewish Organizations in Belgium, described the explosion as “an extremely disturbing, serious, and worrying antisemitic act.”
Eitan Bergman, vice president of the organization and a former member of the Liège synagogue, said the incident deeply shook the city’s small Jewish population.
“I am deeply saddened and shocked,” Bergman said. “This building, where I have so many memories and which saw me grow up… Fortunately, there are no victims to mourn, except for the ‘cité ardente [Liège]’ and its tiny Jewish community, now shaken to its core.”
The investigation continues, and authorities have not yet announced any arrests.
Overnight, an explosion hit a synagogue in Liège, Belgium. The blast damaged the building and nearby homes.
Liège’s mayor, @WillyDemeyer , called the incident an “extremely violent act of antisemitism.” pic.twitter.com/fy2xomJkK2
— Combat Antisemitism Movement (@CombatASemitism) March 9, 2026
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