By Peter Omopo
Belgian federal prosecutors have launched an investigation into an explosion that damaged a synagogue in the eastern city of Liege, with local authorities condemning the incident as an antisemitic act.
The blast occurred early Monday morning outside the synagogue, causing significant material damage but no injuries.
According to a police spokesman, the explosion happened around 4:00 a.m., shattering windows of buildings located across the street from the synagogue.
Mayor of Liege, Willy Demeyer, condemned the attack, describing it as intentional and targeted against the Jewish community.
“This is all intentional and targeted. We condemn this antisemitic act as strongly as possible,” Demeyer told public broadcaster RTBF.
He also warned against the spillover of international conflicts into the city, saying such tensions should not be imported into local communities.
Authorities have cordoned off the area while federal police continue investigations into the incident.
The synagogue, built in 1899, also serves as a museum dedicated to the history of the Jewish community in Liege.
Officials said investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the explosion and identify those responsible.
