An explosion occurred outside the synagogue on Rue Léon Frédéricq in Liège, according to local police. No injuries were reported, though the blast caused material damage and blew out the windows of buildings opposite the site.
Police temporarily closed the street and established a security perimeter to allow investigators to carry out their work. The investigation has been entrusted to the Federal Judicial Police, while the Belgian Federal Prosecutor’s Office—responsible for cases involving organised crime and terrorism—has confirmed that it has opened an inquiry.
Authorities believe the explosion may have been caused deliberately. Early elements of the investigation suggest a criminal origin.
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from political leaders and community representatives.
Liège mayor Willy Demeyer described the explosion as “an extremely violent act of antisemitism contrary to Liège’s tradition of respect for others.” He added that external conflicts must not be imported into the city.
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever also denounced the attack, stating that antisemitism represents an attack on the country’s values and society and must be confronted without ambiguity. He expressed solidarity with the Jewish community in Liège and throughout Belgium.
Interior Minister Bernard Quintin similarly condemned what he called an “abject antisemitic act” directly targeting the Jewish community in Belgium. He confirmed that the judicial investigation has been launched by the federal prosecutor and that security measures around similar sites will continue to be reinforced.
The minister is expected to travel to Liège later in the day to meet with security services and review the situation. Authorities remain on heightened alert amid tensions linked to developments in the Middle East.
Yves Oschinsky, President of the Coordinating Committee of Jewish Organisations in Belgium (CCOJB), described the incident as “an extremely worrying, serious and troubling antisemitic act.” According to him, initial findings indicate that the explosion was likely caused intentionally.
Walloon Minister for Local Authorities François Desquesnes likewise condemned the explosion, describing it as a criminal act with an antisemitic character. He stressed that places of worship must remain spaces of peace, reflection and freedom, and that public authorities have a duty to guarantee the fundamental right to freedom of religion.
The investigation is ongoing.
