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Synagogue Damaged in Explosion in Belgium, Mayor Calls it Antisemitic Act

A synagogue in the Belgian city of Liege was damaged by an explosion in the early hours of Monday, causing material damage but no injuries. Liege Mayor Willy Demeyer condemned the blast as an antisemitic act. The incident follows recent shootings at synagogues in Toronto, Canada, which were also condemned as criminal antisemitic attacks. Authorities in both countries are investigating and have increased security around Jewish places of worship.

Key Points: Synagogue Explosion in Liege, Belgium Investigated as Antisemitic

  • Explosion damaged Liege synagogue
  • No casualties reported
  • Mayor condemns antisemitic act
  • Follows synagogue shootings in Canada
  • Authorities investigating cause
2 min read

Belgium: Synagogue damaged in explosion in Liege

A synagogue in Liege, Belgium was damaged by an early morning explosion. The mayor condemns it as an antisemitic act, following similar attacks in Canada.

"we cannot allow foreign conflicts to be imported into our city - Willy Demeyer"

Brussels, March 9

A synagogue in the Belgian city of Liege was damaged by an explosion on Monday, according to local police. The blast happened in front of the synagogue at around 4 am, causing damage to the windows of the buildings in its surroundings, police spokesperson said, Euro News reported.

Police spokesperson in Liege said that there were no casualties, however, material damage was reported. Authorities are carrying out probe to find the cause of the blast

A security perimeter was set up around the site of the incident, with federal police heading towards the scene, Euro News reported, citing Belgian public broadcaster RTBF.

Liege Mayor Willy Demeyer condemned the incident, terming it an "antisemitic act", adding that "we cannot allow foreign conflicts to be imported into our city".

Earlier on March 7, shots were fired at synagogues in Canada's Toronto, prompting calls for stronger protection for the Jewish community, Canada's 'The Globe and Mail' reported.

York Regional Police said shots were fired shortly after midnight at the doors of Beth Avraham Yosef of Toronto, a synagogue in Thornhill.

Later, the Toronto Police Service received reports of gunfire and found bullet holes in the front door of the Shaarei Shomayim synagogue in Bathurst Street and Glencairn Avenue.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned the incident, terming the shooting an "assault on the rights of Jewish Canadians to live and pray in safety."

"Last night, two synagogues in Toronto, Beth Avraham Yoseph of Toronto in Thornhill and Shaarei Shomayim in North York were assaulted by gun shots. Earlier this week, Temple Emanu-El in North York was also maliciously attacked. These criminal antisemitic attacks are an assault on the rights of Jewish Canadians to live and pray in safety. They are also fundamental violations of the Canadian way of life," Carney posted on X.

"The federal government will use every tool available to confront antisemitic violence and hatred, and protect places of worship. Canada's new government has introduced legislation to strengthen the Criminal Code, protect our communities, and combat hate. Federal agencies, including the RCMP, will use every resource to support law enforcement to identify the perpetrators of these crimes and bring them to the full weight of justice," he added.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Very sad to see this kind of hatred spreading globally. In India, we have our own challenges with communal harmony. The world needs to learn to respect all faiths. Stay strong, Belgium.
A
Aman W
Attacks in Canada and now Belgium... this is a worrying pattern. Security for all religious minorities needs to be a top priority for governments everywhere. No one should fear going to their temple, church, mosque, or synagogue.
S
Sarah B
While I condemn this attack absolutely, I also hope the investigation is thorough. Sometimes media is quick to label things. Let's wait for the official findings before definitively calling it antisemitic, though it certainly looks that way.
V
Vikram M
This hits close to home. We have seen violence against religious sites in India too. It's a poison that destroys society from within. Strong condemnation and stronger action is needed. #NoToHate
K
Kavya N
Thank God there were no casualties. Material damage can be repaired, but the fear it instills lasts longer. The Jewish community in Liege must be terrified. Authorities need to provide reassurance and visible protection.

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