March 9 (Reuters) - A synagogue in the Belgian city of Liege was damaged by an explosion early on Monday, Belgian broadcaster VRT reported, citing local police. No injuries were reported. The cause of
Belgian synagogue damaged in blast considered antisemitic act
Explosion at Liege Synagogue: Details and Reactions
Incident Overview
LIEGE, Belgium, March 9 (Reuters) - An explosion hit a synagogue in the Belgian city of Liege early on Monday in what authorities said was an antisemitic attack that caused damage but no injuries.
The explosion, which happened around 4 a.m. (0300 GMT), blew out the windows of the synagogue, as well as those of a building on the opposite side of the road, public broadcaster RTBF said.
Investigation and Response
The cause was not clear, but prosecutors said the case had been passed to federal authorities, which normally investigate incidents linked to terrorism or organised crime.
Official Statements
Belgian Interior Minister Bernard Quintin called the explosion "a despicable antisemitic act that directly targeted the Jewish community of Belgium".
He said security measures around similar sites will continue to be reinforced.
Community Reaction
Eitan Bergman, Vice-President of the Coordinating Committee of Jewish Organisations in Belgium (CCOJB), said the targeting of the synagogue was deeply shocking.
"Liege is home to a very small but vibrant Jewish community where I personally grew up. Today, the feelings among our community members are a mixture of sadness, worry and profound shock," he told Reuters.
Aftermath and Ongoing Investigation
Police have cordoned off the largely residential street on the bank of the river Meuse opposite Liege city centre.
Federal prosecutors declined to give further details of the incident.
(Reporting by Bart Meijer, Lili Bayer and Philip Blenkinsop; Editing by Aidan Lewis and Philippa Fletcher)
