Explosion damages synagogue in Belgium

The synagogue was established in 1899. It also serves as a Jewish museum.

By JNS

A strong explosion rocked the façade of a synagogue in Liège, Belgium, early on Monday morning, resulting in no injuries.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the explosion that took place around 4 a.m., damaging buildings and property, the Le Matin daily reported. The incident has not yet been determined to be an attack on the synagogue, AFP reported.

The blast shattered some of the windows of the Synagogue de Liège on Léon Frédéricq Street, police told AFP. The area has been cordoned off as federal and local police investigate the blast, the report said,

The synagogue was established in 1899. It also serves as a Jewish museum.

The building features a striped stone façade with alternating light and reddish horizontal bands.

Its design reflects neo-Romanesque architecture with Moorish references, rounded arches, symmetrical towers and decorative stonework.

A large circular rose window sits at the center above a row of arched windows and entrances, while two square towers with dark, rounded roofs frame the façade.

The structure faces a quiet city street lined with bollards and neighboring buildings.

Liège Mayor Willy Demeyer (PS) denounced the explosion, describing it as “an extremely violent act of antisemitism contrary to Liège’s tradition of respect for others.”

Minister of Interior Bernard Quintin (MR) labeled the incident “an abject antisemitic act.”

Leaders from several other political parties also voiced their reactions on social media, condemning the attack and expressing concern over rising antisemitism.

Prime Minister Bart De Wever also weighed in on the incident. “Antisemitism is an attack against our values ​​and our society, and we must fight it unequivocally,” he declared on X.

“We stand in solidarity with the Jewish community of Liège and the entire country,” he added.