BELGIAN AUTHORITIES CONDEMN EXPLOSION OUTSIDE LIEGE SYNAGOGUE AS ACT OF ANTI-SEMITISM

Authorities in Belgium have condemned an early-morning explosion outside a synagogue in the city of Liège as a serious act of anti-Semitism.

The blast occurred shortly before 4 a.m. on Monday outside the synagogue in Liège. No injuries were reported, though windows in buildings opposite the synagogue were damaged.

Police closed the street and established a security perimeter while the investigation continues.

Liège Mayor Willy Demeyer strongly condemned the incident, describing it as an extremely violent act of anti-Semitism. The mayor and the city council express their total condemnation of this extremely violent act of anti-Semitism, which is contrary to the Liège tradition of respect for others, Demeyer said, according to the Belga news agency.

He also warned against bringing international conflicts into the city, referring to the ongoing war involving Israel, the U.S. and Iran.

Yves Oschinsky, president of the Committee of Jewish Organizations in Belgium, described the blast as an extremely disturbing, serious and worrying anti-Semitic act.