Explosion at Liège Synagogue
An explosion damaged a historic synagogue in Liège, Belgium, on March 9, 2026, around 4 a.m. local time. The blast shattered windows of the synagogue and a nearby building but caused no injuries. Belgian authorities, including the federal prosecutor's office and counter-terrorism teams, are investigating the incident, which Mayor Willy Demeyer has condemned as a "violent act of antisemitism" and an "extremely violent act of antisemitism." The synagogue, built in 1899, also serves as a museum for the local Jewish community.
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5 updatesBelgian authorities are investigating an explosion at a synagogue in Liège as a potential act of terrorism and antisemitism. Security footage shows a masked individual placing an incendiary device at the entrance shortly before the blast. A previously unknown group, the Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Right (IMCR), has claimed responsibility, though the authenticity of their claims is under analysis. Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever has warned of a growing threat of Iran-linked terrorism in Europe.
Jewish Orthodox lawmaker Michael Freilich linked the incident to perceived judicial failures in prosecuting antisemitic crimes, stating that "When antisemitism is not a priority for prosecutors, with dozens of cases dismissed, an atmosphere of impunity is created." He appealed to the government to act decisively against antisemitism.
The synagogue, established in 1899, is a historic monument in Wallonia and also houses a museum dedicated to Liège's Jewish community. Its architectural style is neo-Romanesque with Moorish references, featuring a striped stone façade, rounded arches, symmetrical towers, and a large circular rose window.
Belgian Interior Minister Bernard Quintin condemned the explosion as "a despicable antisemitic act that directly targeted the Jewish community of Belgium." He announced that security measures around similar sites would continue to be reinforced. Eitan Bergman, Vice-President of the Coordinating Committee of Jewish Organisations in Belgium, expressed deep shock and sadness, noting that the synagogue is a vibrant part of the small Jewish community in Liège.
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever stated on X that "Antisemitism is an attack on our values and our society, and we must fight it unequivocally." He expressed solidarity with the Jewish community in Liège and across Belgium. Walloon minister François Desquesnes called the explosion an "antisemitic crime."
Story began · 6 days ago