Netherlands: Writer/Activist Suggests Israel/Jews May Be Behind Recent Bombings

Anja Meulenbelt (l)

Dutch writer Anja Meulenbeld, who is also a pro-Palestinian activist, has caused a stir in the Netherlands with her observation that the recent bombings in Belgium and the Netherlands of Jewish synagogues and schools may be the work of Israel or Jews themselves in an effort to win sympathy. The local Jewish community, already under attack, has, understandably, reacted with anger.

The article below from De Telegraaf is translated by Fousesquawk

Controversial PC Hooft prize winner Anja Meulenbelt causes anger with her statement about the attacks on synagogues

Tuesday 17 March 2026 09:30- De Telegraaf
In this article:

Anja Meulenbelt (81), known as a writer and Palestinian activist, has once again caused controversy by comments under a Facebook report suggesting that Jews or Israel itself may have organized anti-Semitism attacks in order to win sympathy. She called the possibility historically, not impossible, and, according to the report, wrote that, "Israel and the Zionist lobby have an interest in more anti-Semitism," after which, she added that she is not presenting it as a definitive fact, more as an option.

Her remarks came shortly after two recent incidents: Early Friday morning, something exploded at the synagogue in Rotterdam-Blijdorp: The same day, 4 young men from Tilburg (ages 17-19) were arrested. One day later, there was an explosion at the outer wall of the Cheider Jewish school in Buitenveldert, Amsterdam-South. The insertion of the word "attacks" between quotation marks and proposing a self-directed theory caused strong indignation within the Dutch Jewish community.

Dave Heilbron, treasurer of the Central Jewish Council, called Meulenbelt's claims shocking and unacceptable, and stated that the dissemination of such conspiracy theories harms an already polarized situation. He himself suggested that the leadership of the PC Hooft-prize should reconsider her award. The leadership of the literature prize refuses to respond in a substantive manner and points out that Meulenbelt was writing in a personal capacity.

Meulenbelt, who has written several books on the Gaza Strip and earlier expressed understanding for the October 7, 2023 attacks, this year became the first woman to receive the PC Hooft prize-a choice that was met with criticism within literary circles even before (the award was made). The discussion underlines both the sensitivity around anti-Semitism and conspiracy theories, as well as the tension between artistic prestige and political activism.

Is the Exorcist Coming Back to Georgetown?

Georgetown University, where the old film, "The Exorcist", was filmed, and which has seen its share of campus anti-Semitism coming from the pro-Palestinian crowd, is all up in arms about something the College Republicans posted on X about Islam. The campus newspaper, The Hoya, is devoting front-page coverage to the issue. Below is the statement in question:

"Let’s Be Honest: Muslims have no place in American society.”

The College Republicans have taken down the post and apologized for the wording. The university is investigating, though the facts seem to be pretty clear.

Here is my take: I personally would not have said it in that manner. To say that no Muslims have any place in American society is wrong. I know some wise guy is going to come back and say that I myself have stated the same thing right here on this site many, many times. 

Not exactly. What I have said and will repeat is that Islam, and specifically sharia, are incompatible with our society, Western values, or what have you. To be accurate, not every aspect of sharia is contrary to our values, but much of it is, like stoning for adultery, the death penalty for apostasy, blasphemy, and unequal treatment of women, homosexuals, and non-Muslims. Those are the things that have no place in American society.

In its follow-up to the original post, the College Republicans expressed those very things. In that respect, those specific aspects of sharia, not to mention certain world events, should be open to serious discussion.

As an aside, another thing that should be open for discussion is the Saudi and Qatrari-funded Alwaleed Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding (ACMCU), which, in spite of its misleading name, is nothing but a propaganda center on the Georgetown University campus. 

Rather than have that discussion, however, Georgetown seems to be calling in the exorcists.

Netherlands: The Man Who Reportedly Gave the Order for the Murder of Peter R. de Vries

Peter R. de Vries (right)- The murder scene July 6, 2021 (left)

Over the past several years, we have translated Dutch articles regarding the assassination of famed Dutch crime reporter, Peter R. de Vries, who was gunned down in 2021 in Amsterdam. It has always been believed that the murder was carried out by two hitmen hired by the notorious Mocro-Maffia (Moroccan Mafia). Both the convicted assassins and Mocro Maffia leader Ridouan Taghi, are serving long sentences in the Netherlands. The Mocro-Maffia is a particularly vicious organization made up mostly of Moroccans residing in the Netherlands and Belgium. They control most of the cocaine traffic flowing into those two countries.

Now, a member of the organization, imprisoned in Morocco, has reportedly identified the person (also imprisoned in Morocco) who allegedly gave the order to murder de Vries.

The article below from the conservative Dutch outlet  Dageljkse Standaard, is translated by Fousesquawk.

Explosive: Taghi's cousin, Jaouad F., gave the murder order on Peter R. de Vries, inner circle leader Ismail, M., declares in Morocco

Domestic 17 March 2026 at 14:00

Finally, a breakthrough that nobody can deny anymore: The Mocro Maffia (Moroccan Mafia) was behind it. The 34-year-old Ismail M., a key figure in the Ridouan Taghi organization, has delivered a damning statement in Morocco on the murder of Peter R. de Vries. He points the finger at Jaouad F., the first cousin and confidant of Taghi-nicknamed the "man of violence" of the gang- as the man who gave the order. For the first time, someone from the inner circle makes a direct link between Taghi's network and the assassination of our greatest crime reporter.

Ismail M.-alias Jarki- was arrested in Morocco in October 2025.  He sent out photos of Peter R. de Vries via encrypted phone to the Polish hitman, Krystian M. (sentenced to 26 years). In the images, de Vries stood at the RTL Boulevard desk, just before the fatal shooting on July 6, 2021. Caption: "This is the dog you need." Classic Mocro-slang. Ismail M. directed the killers, and now he states that the cousin, Jaouad F., was the one who gave the order. Why is he talking? Perhaps, a deal, perhaps, fear- for months, rumors have been circulating that someone in Morocco was talking. 

Jaouad F. (32) is serving a 6-year sentence in Morocco for drugs, but there is an investigation into whether he can be prosecuted for the murder of de Vries. He is the right-hand man of Taghi, involved in several killings-including that of the attorney Derk Wiersum. The M. family is deep within the gang: two brothers of Ismail are serving sentences for murders on Taghi's orders.

This is no longer a rumor, nor speculation. This is testimony from the core of the Mocro-Maffia that finally gives the Public Prosecutor's Office the link they were looking for. Peter R. de Vries paid with his life because he got too close: He advised crown witness, Nabil B., dug into the killing of Taghi's brother, and kept digging. The gang struck back. And now it is leaking out.

The elite in the Hague and the mainstream media, who were always shouting, "no link with Taghi" or "not proven", can now shut their mouths. This is the reality: A ruthless drug and murder gang from the Moroccan scene has, for years, dictated the agenda in the Netherlands. They eliminated journalists, lawyers, and witnesses. And the State? Weak, slow, politically correct. Peter R. de Vries deserves justice. Hopefully, it is the beginning of the end for the rest of the gang. But one thing is for sure: The Mocro-Maffia had it in for him. And they murdered him. 

Netherlands: Police Post Images of 2 Amsterdam Bombing Suspects

 Dutch police have posted surveillance camera images of two suspects in the bombing of a Jewish school in Amsterdam this weekend. The video below, published by De Telegraaf, is translated by Fousesquawk. Hat tip to RAIR Foundation USA, Gates of Vienna, and Vlad Tepes for subtitling.

Netherlands: Another Bomb Attack Against Jewish School (Amsterdam)

-RTL (Nl)

Early Saturday morning, at about 3:45 am, someone riding on a motor scooter placed an explosive device in front of a Jewish school and fled after detonating it. Since nobody was present at that hour, there were no injuries. This follows a similar attack in front of a Jewish synagogue in Rotterdam the day before, as well as a synagogue in Liege, Belgium, early last Monday morning. Police suspect all three attacks may be connected.

Amsterdam suspects (Dutch police) 

We are working on a Dutch news video and adding English subtitles.

It is important to note here that these attacks put the lie to the apologists' statements that it is all about Israel/Zionism and not Jews. That is a lie. This resurgence of anti-Semitism goes far beyond mere opposition to Zionism or Israel's current war. If it were just about Israel, you would think the attacks would be directed against Israeli embassies, consulates, and other installations. Instead, what we are witnessing are attacks against synagogues and Jewish schools.

*Update (March 15, 2026): Here is the above-mentioned video from NOS (Nl). Hat tip RAIR Foundation USA, Vlad Tepes, and Gates of Vienna for subtitling. Translation by Fousesquawk.

 

Germany: Disturbing Study on Young Muslims in Germany

According to a 2025 study by the German Federal Criminal Police (Bundeskriminalamt-BKA), almost half of young Muslims in Germany under the age of 40 are either latently or manifestly sympathetic to Islamism. These terms are explained in the article below in BILD, which is translated by Fousesquawk.

Shocking study by BKA

Islamism is attractive to almost half of young Muslims

Caption: Young supporters of the Islamist terror state of the mullahs demonstrated on Sunday in front of the town hall in Frankfurt am Main.

-by Stefan Schlagenhaufer

March 12, 2026 at 09:48

Wiesbaden- This BKA study has a dynamite character.  The current "Motra-Monitor" reports, that as of 2025, almost every other Muslim (45.1%) in Germany under the age of 40 is latently or manifestly sympathetic to Islamism. That means: They feel themselves drawn to Islamism, want sharia rather than basic law, and have anti-Semitic prejudices.

598 pages long is the Motra-Monitor (Monitoring System and Transfer Platform of Radicalization), which, among others, is funded by the Federal Interior Ministry and Family Ministry, and published by the Federal Criminal Police (BKA). It is about right-wing extremism, but also about Islamist extremism. 

Caption: In the summer of 2025, young Muslims and radical-left Germans occupied the Gutenberg Monument in Frankfurt-some of them ready to demonstrate violently against Israel.

The researchers write that, "manifest Islamist attitudes are most prevalent among Muslims under the age of 40 at 11.5%." Manifest means that the Islamist radicalization is already evident and pronounced.

According to the study authors, there is also a group with "latent Islamist-leaning attitudes." It has grown greatly since 2021. "In 2025, this reached 33.6% of those under 40 years of age," the research group writes. Latent means that the attitude toward Islamism is present, but radicalization is not yet visible. Together, both groups make up almost half (45.1%) of all Muslims under 40 years of age in Germany.

Islamism experts: Sharia over basic law

Islamism expert Susanne Schroeter, (68, formerly of the Goethe University of Frankfurt) is alarmed at the word Islamism-leaning. She tells BILD: "Islamism means that Muslims consider Islamist interpretations of Islam to be correct, feel drawn  to Islamist organizations that are close to the Muslim Brotherhood or Salafism, prefer sharia over basic law, and, as a rule, hold anti-Semitic prejudices."

According to the BKA study, the radicalization of young Muslims has greatly increased, especially after the terror attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, in which more than 1,200 people in Israel were murdered.

Netherlands: 4 Suspects in Custody After Explosion at Rotterdam Synagogue

Police suspect there may be a connection to Liege synagogue explosion.

Early Friday morning, there was an explosion in front of a synagogue in Rotterdam. Shortly thereafter, police observed a car with 4 individuals inside acting suspiciously near another synagogue. The 4 were arrested. They are described only as males residing in Tilburg (NL), ages, 19,19, 18, and 17.

Police also suspect there may be a connection between the Rotterdam bombing and one earlier this week in Liege, Belgium. Both explosions occurred around 3:40 am, and videos of both explosions were posted by the same site.

The conservative Dutch site, Dagelijkse Standaard, is criticizing authorities for not identifying the suspects and the suspected motive. According to DS, that leaves the public open to wild speculation. Was it "imported terrorism"? Was it a reaction to the war in the Middle East?  A combination of  factors?

Here is our translation of the DS article.

Terror in Rotterdam: Explosive detonates at synagogue, police withhold description of perpetrators

Domestic  13 March 2026 at 15:00

The explosion at a synagogue in Rotterdam has shaken the Netherlands awake. Although the police apprehended the 4 very young (suspects) lightning-fast, the authorities are stubbornly refusing to release the description and background of these perpetrators. And it is precisely in these complex times that we have the right to the hard facts. Who are these young men?  Is this pure Jew hatred? Are we dealing with blind terror? Is it a false flag, or is it simply the unavoidable "blowback" and anger due to the merciless attacks by Israel against Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran? The cartel must stop covering up!

In the wee hours of Friday morning, an explosive device was detonated at the synagogue at A.B.N. Davidsplein (Square).  It caused a small fire, at which time, the police immediately responded. At another synagogue in the area, subsequently, there was a vehicle "driving in a suspicious manner". Officers stopped the auto and arrested 4 young men, ages 17, 18, 19, and 19. 

Blowback, terror, or false flag?

The biggest question is what the actual motive of these perpetrators is. We cannot and must not blindly assume that it simply stems from imported anti-Semitism. Naturally, that is a real possibility, but the total picture may be much broader. If this is, indeed, a so-called "pearl of opportunity", is this perhaps a direct act of revenge, pure blowback, as a reaction to the ongoing escalation and bombardments by Israel (and America) in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran?

Or is there another agenda behind this?  Are we perhaps dealing with organized terror to destabilize our country, a sleeper cell waiting for orders, and now striking? Or is it, perhaps, a false flag operation to drive political and social tensions to a head? This information is absolutely crucial to understanding what is now playing out in our cities.

Demand the description

And it is precisely due to the burning questions that the attitude of the police is unacceptable. In the official report, the police state in black and white that the driver of the car was arrested because he matched the already known "description" of one of the suspects at the detonation. Thus, the police know exactly how these perpetrators look and who they have put in handcuffs, but the ordinary Dutch (citizen) is left in the dark.

Why this extreme secrecy? As long as the authorities stubbornly protect the identity and motives of these types of perpetrators, they simply fuel speculation. We demand full transparency. Release the facts, the descriptions, and the backgrounds of these 4 suspects immediately to the public. The Netherlands has the right to the truth, however it may look.

And yes, naturally, we want to know why they did this. If it is a "pearl of opportunity", were they always Jew-haters? Were they triggered by the war in the Middle East? A little bit of both?

Questions, questions, questions. The Dutch people have the right to answers.  Not to some vague words in an official police statement.

It Has Begun

This article first appeared in Times of Israel Blogs.

(Since this article was first posted, the Michigan attacker has been identified as Ayman Mohamad Ghazali, a naturalized US citizen from Lebanon.)

Today, we have witnessed two terrorist attacks, one in West Bloomfield, Michigan, where a man tentatively identified by some sources as Lebanese, drove his car right into a synagogue and started firing before he was killed by security, and at Old Dominion University in Virginia, where a man identified as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, 36, originally from Sierra Leone, stormed into a classroom and shot an instructor to death, reportedly yelling, "Allahu Akhbar" before an ROTC student stabbed him to death, thus ending the threat. Just days ago, two young men in New York City, one, Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, of  Afghan descent, the other, Emir Balat,18, of Turkish descent, threw explosive devices at a demonstration in front of Gracie Mansion, the mayor's official residence. The attack was aimed at those protesting against Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the perceived Islamization of the city. They reportedly were inspired by ISIS.

Meanwhile, in Europe this week, an unidentified man set off a homemade bomb in front of a synagogue in the Belgian city of Liege around 3:40 in the morning. Nobody was injured. A pro-Iranian jihadist group has claimed responsibility.

There can be little doubt that the military action taken against the Iranian regime by the US and Israel has now sparked what promises to be a wave of Islamist-inspired attacks against US/Israeli interests, against Jews, and against the West in general. 

This means that on both continents, we will lose more innocent civilian lives to the forces of Islamist terror. Of course, it has been going on for years, but now, it will undoubtedly explode.

We have known for years that Iranian sleeper cells are in our country. Many waltzed right in under the Biden administration's open-borders policy, many crossing the Canadian border. In truth, however, it didn't just start with Biden; it just got dramatically worse. Now our DHS has the task of tracking these people down before the next attack occurs. That means some resources are going to have to be taken away from grabbing illegal aliens from parts of the world that do not threaten us.

Then there is Europe, where, in 2015, then-German Chancellor Angela Merkel opened the floodgates to asylum-seekers from Syria's civil war while encouraging other Western European countries to do the same. The result was millions of mostly young, single, unaccompanied males from other Muslim countries like Afghanistan and Somalia. In turn, that has resulted in an explosion of violent, in many cases, deadly crime and the loss of countless innocent lives, not to mention making life more dangerous and intolerable for European Jews. The threat level for Jews has just skyrocketed. 

This is not meant to second-guess the decision by the US and Israel to attack Iran. In my view, it had to be done. For 47 years, that evil regime has not only brutalized and killed tens of thousands of its own people, but it has been the largest state sponsor of terrorism in the world, and its two top targets are Israel and the United States. Had they been able to fully develop nuclear weapons, they would have used them against us.

How this war will end beyond crushing the ayatollahs, I have no idea. Hopefully, it will not be another Iraq or Afghanistan. But this job must be finished, and this regime destroyed.

In the meantime, we have a serious threat here in the US and Europe from Islamist terrorists determined to avenge what is happening in Iran. There will be lone-wolf attacks, and I predict something more sophisticated from these sleeper cells. Make no mistake: They are here, and they have been called to action.

  

Belgium: Jihadist Group Claims Responsibility for Synagogue Explosion

Scene of explosion

-Belga/Deutsche Presse Agentur

Here is an update on Monday's explosion in front of a synagogue in Liege. A pro-Iran jihadist group has sent a video of the explosion to police claiming responsibility.

The  below article from the French-language daily, La Libre (Be), is translated by Fousesquawk.

Explosion in front of Liege synagogue: A video from a jihadist group claiming responsibility is analyzed

A claim of responsibility coming from a jihadist group has reached Liege investigators

-By Jean-Michel Crespin, Liege Editor-in-chief , IPM (Gazette de Liege and DH-Liege)

Posted March 11, 2026 at 20:31

Updated March 11, 2026 at 23:16

 Has the investigation on the explosion in front of a Liege synagogue making a turn towards a terrorist act? Given the latest elements reaching the investigators in the last few hours, it seems reasonable to believe so.

In effect, the men from the Federal Judicial Police are in possession of a video showing the explosion in front of the building. It reportedly is from a jihadist group that claimed responsibility for the attack. It is reportedly the pro-Iranian movement, Harakat Ashab al-Kahf.

In the images, we see an object placed in front of the synagogue. To the sound of rhythmic music, a man approaches to film it and the device explodes sending flames several meters. A message in Arabic is also visible below.

Obviously, this video is in the process of being analyzed to verify its authenticity. Foe now, the Federal Prosecutor's Office is making no further comment.

To recall, on Monday at 3:38 am, an explosion was heard in front of the synagogue located on Rue Leon Fredericq in Outremeuse in Liege.

Terrorist act or exploitation?

While the detonation caused no injuries, damage to the synagogue and the neighboring area was significant. Indeed, countless windows were broken dozens of meters around.

According to initial elements of the investigation, the bomb is apparently homemade and weak in strength. The surveillance camera images were immediately reviewed and made it possible to establish the sequence of events. At 3:38 am, a man in a car stopped his vehicle in front of the synagogue and placed an object in front of the main door. He turned around and got back in the car.  It was quickly determined that the license on the vehicle had been stolen.

It remains to be seen if this is really a terrorist act or an isolated gesture of a fanatic that a jihadist movement is trying to exploit given the media attention that the Liege explosion has aroused.

Jesse Jackson and His Funeral

This article first appeared in New English Review.

Jesse Jackson

A lot of things have been said about the funeral of Jesse Jackson, and much of the discussion centers around the politicization of the event in Chicago, which was attended by three former presidents, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden, all of whom spoke. Also speaking was former presidential candidate Kamala Harris.

Unfortunately, Jackson's funeral was marred by political speech, mostly coming from Obama and Harris, who took aim at President Trump while not naming him directly. Jesse Jackson Jr. has publicly criticized the speeches altogether as being politically oriented, which the Jackson family had reportedly stated before the funeral that they did not want. They reportedly wanted the service to be centered around Jackson's life as a civil rights figure, which I also felt was the proper way to go. It is true that Jackson involved himself in political matters, both at home and abroad, and had even attempted to win the Democratic nomination to run for president on two occasions. But it was his civil rights work that should have been the real focus and the only focus of the funeral, in my opinion

Personally, I was not a member of Reverend Jackson's fan club. I never had any issue with his early rise in the civil rights movement, even though he was more fiery and militant than Martin Luther King. In later years, Jackson came under a lot of criticism over how he pressured private businesses to contribute to his civil rights organizations to avoid being accused of discrimination and being boycotted.  And there was his infamous "Hymietown" comment that led to accusations of anti-Semitism.

In my view, Jackson had every right back in the 1960s to be indignant over how blacks were being treated, particularly in the South, (South Carolina), where Jackson grew up under Jim Crow. While I disagreed with many of his statements in his later decades, I always thought he was a cut above Al Sharpton.

As for the speeches, I felt that Obama's and Harris's were the most political and the most offensive. Joe Biden was at his most embarrassing, talking more about himself and rambling as he always does. It was pitiful, and he should have stayed home in Delaware rather than being dragged to Chicago to embarrass himself once again. More than anyone, I blame Jill Biden, who was also present.  Even if Joe wanted to do this, she needs to be protecting him and tucking him into bed at night, not exposing him to further ridicule. As the old expression goes, someone needs to tell her, "It's over".

I don't have any particular issue with Clinton's words, even though he referred to his impeachment, but taken altogether, the speeches by all of the above politicians put too much of a political tone on the event. With all due respect, this was not the funeral of a former president or senator. In that vein, I recall the 2002 funeral of Minnesota Democrat Senator Paul Wellstone, who died in a plane crash. His service was turned into an ugly political pep rally, in which some Republican politicians in the audience were openly booed. The Jackson funeral did not sink to that level, but I join in the criticism of Obama and Harris for their politically charged words. It was not the time or the place.

Switzerland: Horrific Bus Fire in Chietres (Fribourg)- Deliberate Act Suspected

-Le Matin

This evening in Chietres (Kerzers in German, Canton Fribourg), Switzerland, a bus caught on fire. At least 6 people are reported dead, and three seriously injured. Details are scarce, but police suspect the fire was intentionally started. It is not known as yet whether terrorism is involved.

The below article from the French-language Le Matin (Switzerland) is translated by Fousesquawk. We will update as more facts become known.

*Translator's note: The bus is identified as a Postal Bus. This is a passenger bus that was historically connected to the postal service.

*Update (March 10, 2026): Blick (Switzerland) is reporting that one witness said a man on the bus poured gasoline on himself and set himself on fire. This is not yet confirmed. 

*Update (March 11, 2026). Le Matin is reporting that according to a press conference held today, the man who immolated himslef on the bus is a Swiss national in his 60s, a resident of the Berne area, with a history of mental illness.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

March 10, 2026 at 20:55

Chietres (Fribourg)

Postal bus on fire: At least 6 dead, probably "deliberate act".

A  bus caught on fire on Tuesday around 6:25 pm. Initial toll is terrible with at least 6 dead and 3 seriously injured.

Caption: Police say that they arrived  at the scene, and emergency personnel have stated  that the vehicle was totally engulfed in flames

 

A postal bus caught on fire on Murtenstrasse in Chietres on Tuesday around 6:25 pm. At first announcing that "several persons injured and several persons dead," the Cantonal Police of Fribourg provided an update at a press conference, which began shortly after 10 pm.

 "At least 6 persons have died," police announced, according to SRF (news), which was at the scene. Four passengers are injured, as well as a rescuer. Three of the injured are in serious condition.

 The medical team, consisting of several ambulances and a Rega helicopter, treated three injured persons before transporting them to hospitals. Two other victims were examined at the scenes, and their condition did not require hospitalization.

 Hotline

 In their statement, police say that the number of deaths is not confirmed at this time. It also says that "a deliberate act may be the origin of the fire". A criminal investigation has been opened by the Public Prosecutor's Office of Fribourg.

 Operations of rescue and safety are continuing, (and) the population and users are thus, advised to avoid the sector and strictly follow the directives of the first responders at the scene.

 A hotline has been set up for this tragic event: 0800 261 700.

 

 

Belgium: Synagogue Bombed in Liege

Liege

Early Monday morning in Liege, Belgium, a bomb went off in front of a Jewish synagogue. There were no injuries, but there was damage to the front of the building.

The below article from the Dutch-language De Standaard (Belgium) is translated by Fousesquawk. A subtitled video is pending.

Caption: "The facade shook, and when I went downstairs, I saw smoke everywhere," says a resident in the neighborhood.

Explosion at synagogue in Liege-Federal Prosecutor's Office sees, "possible indications of terrorist crime"

Early Monday morning, an explosion took place at a synagogue in Liege. There were no injuries. Premier Bart De Wever (N-VA) and Interior Minister Bernard Quintin (MR) are calling it anti-Semitism. Security measures at Jewish sites will be strengthened.

On Monday morning, around 4 am, there was an explosion at the synagogue in Liege, on Rue Leon Fredericq. There were no casualties, but there is material damage to the windows on the facade of the building. Three cars were damaged.  

An investigation has been opened and turned over to the federal prosecutor's office. In a press release, the prosecutor's office confirmed that there are "possible indications of a terrorist crime." "The precise circumstances of the act will be fully investigated," it said.

Premier Bart De Wever (N-VA), in a statement on X, called it anti-Semitism and "an attack on our values and our society". "We are in solidarity with the Jewish community in Liege and in the entire country," it said. Interior Minister Bernard Quintin (MR) also responded on X to what he describes as a "terrible anti-Semitic act directly targeted against the Jewish community in Belgium." 

The minister will visit Liege this afternoon, where he will speak to the security forces. Since the latest violence in the Middle East, they are "extremely vigilant" around Jewish sites. The security measures at similar sites will be further strengthened, Quintin's office confirmed.

Bill White, the American ambassador, has also gone to Liege. In his reaction, he called it an anti-Semitic attack in Belgium. "Normally, this is a place of happiness, where marriages take place. It is said that there are no injuries, but everyone who lives in the neighborhood is a victim. We must do more against anti-Semitism. It is increasing in the US and in Europe." 

External conflict

The mayor of Liege, Willy Demeyer (PS), reacted with indignation to the incident. "This is a violent anti-Semitic act, which we strongly reject," Demeyer said in a written statement. It goes against the Liege tradition of respect for others. It cannot be that external conflicts are imported into our city." 

The mayor called it an attack. "It was a bomb, not a Molotov cocktail or something small. We will speak immediately with the Ocad (the Coordination Organ for Threat assessment) to see if we will raise the threat level."

In Liege, there are some 500 Jews. "I have been the rabbi of this community for 25 years," said Joshua Nejman, the synagogue's rabbi to RTBF. "We have not experienced this in 25 years."

*Update (3-10-2026): Here is the aforementioned video from De Standaard. The original subtitles are in Dutch, while the witness who is interviewed is speaking in French. English subtitles are by RAIR Foundation USA, Vlad Tepes, and Gates of Vienna. Translation is by Fousesquawk.