Liège, Belgium – An explosion occurred in the early hours of Monday morning outside the synagogue located on Rue Léon Frédéricq in Liège, prompting a police investigation and widespread condemnation. No injuries were reported, but the incident has been described as an act of antisemitism by local officials and Jewish community leaders.
The explosion took place shortly before 4:00 AM local time, according to a statement released by the Liège police. While the blast caused material damage, including shattered windows in nearby buildings, no one was hurt. Rue Léon Frédéricq was temporarily closed as authorities secured the scene and began their investigation. The investigation has been entrusted to the Federal Judicial Police.
Liège Mayor Willy Demeyer (PS) strongly condemned the incident, calling it “an extremely violent act of antisemitism contrary to the Liège tradition of respect for others.” He emphasized that the city would not allow external conflicts to be imported into its community. “It cannot be a question of importing the exterior conflicts into our city,” Demeyer stated, according to reports.
Yves Oschinsky, president of the Coordination Committee of Jewish Organizations of Belgium (CCOJB), echoed the mayor’s sentiments, describing the act as “an extremely disturbing, serious and worrying antisemitic act.” Oschinsky indicated that initial findings suggest the explosion was a criminal act. The CCOJB, which represents numerous Jewish organizations in Belgium, was founded in 1969 and currently has 39 affiliated organizations, according to its website (https://www.ccojb.be/).
Synagogue’s Historical Significance
The synagogue on Rue Léon Frédéricq, built in 1899 by architect Joseph Prémont, is a significant landmark for the Jewish community of Liège. As noted in a Wikipedia entry (https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synagogue_de_Liège), the building showcases an eclectic architectural style, blending Islamic, Roman, and Lombard Romanesque influences. It was designated as a protected heritage site by the Walloon Region in 2005 and continues to serve as an active place of worship and a cultural and historical center.
Broader Context of Jewish Community in Belgium
The incident in Liège comes amid heightened concerns about antisemitism in Europe. The CCOJB actively works to combat antisemitism, racism, and xenophobia, and promotes remembrance of the Holocaust. The organization also advocates for the defense of Jewish values and the rights of members of the Jewish community in Belgium, as well as supporting the State of Israel. The CCOJB is a member of both the European Jewish Congress and the World Jewish Congress.
Belgium has a long history of Jewish presence, with communities established in several cities. The Jewish Communities of Belgium website (https://www.jgsbelgium.be/communautes-juives-de-belgique/) details the presence of synagogues and Jewish communities in cities like Antwerp, Arlon, Brussels, and Oostende.
Authorities have not yet released details regarding the cause of the explosion or any potential suspects. The investigation is ongoing, and further updates are expected as more information becomes available.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat of antisemitism and the importance of vigilance and solidarity in protecting Jewish communities. As the investigation unfolds, the focus will be on identifying those responsible and ensuring that they are brought to justice.
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