A synagogue in Liege was damaged by an explosion early Monday in what Belgian authorities described as an anti-Semitic attack.

The blast occurred around 4 a.m., blowing out windows at the synagogue as well as those of a building across the street, according to reports by the Belgian public broadcaster RTBF.

liege synagogue

A view of the site of a synagogue damaged by an explosion early on Monday, in Liege, Belgium, March 9, 2026. Picture taken through a window. REUTERS/Yves Herman

No injuries were reported, but police quickly secured the area as investigators began examining the cause of the explosion.

Federal Authorities Take Over Investigation

Belgian prosecutors said the case had been transferred to federal authorities, which typically handle investigations involving suspected terrorism or organized crime.

Police cordoned off the largely residential street along the Meuse River opposite Liege’s city center as investigators continued gathering evidence.

liege synagogue

Liege Mayor Willy Demeyer speaks to the media after a synagogue was damaged by an explosion early on Monday, in Liege, Belgium, March 9, 2026. REUTERS/Yves Herman

Federal prosecutors did not immediately provide further details about the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Officials Condemn ‘Despicable’ Attack

Belgium’s interior minister, Bernard Quintin, condemned the explosion, calling it “a despicable anti-Semitic act that directly targeted the Jewish community of Belgium.”

He said security measures around Jewish institutions and similar sites across the country would be reinforced following the attack.

liege synagogue

A man walks next to police officers securing the site near a synagogue damaged by an explosion early on Monday, in Liege, Belgium, March 9, 2026. REUTERS/Yves Herman

Jewish Community Reacts With Shock

Eitan Bergman, vice-president of the Coordinating Committee of Jewish Organizations in Belgium, said the incident had deeply shaken the local community.

“Liege is home to a very small but vibrant Jewish community where I personally grew up,” Bergman said to Reuters. “Today, the feelings among our community members are a mixture of sadness, worry and profound shock.”