Explosion Damages Synagogue in Liège, Sparks Condemnation

Authorities in Belgium on Monday condemned an early-morning explosion outside a synagogue in Liège, describing the incident as a serious act of anti-Semitism.

The blast occurred shortly before 4 a.m. outside the synagogue in the eastern Belgian city. No injuries were reported, but the explosion damaged windows in buildings opposite the place of worship.

Police immediately sealed off the area, closing the street and establishing a security perimeter as investigations into the incident continued.

Liège Mayor Willy Demeyer strongly denounced the attack, calling it an “extremely violent act of anti-Semitism.”

“The mayor and the city council express their total condemnation of this extremely violent act of anti-Semitism, which is contrary to the Liège tradition of respect for others,” Demeyer said in remarks carried by the Belga News Agency.

He also cautioned against importing international conflicts into the city, referencing the ongoing tensions involving Israel, the United States and Iran.

Meanwhile, Yves Oschinsky, president of the Committee of Jewish Organisations in Belgium, described the explosion as “an extremely disturbing, serious and worrying anti-Semitic act.”

Authorities said investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances and those responsible for the explosion.