Belgium has deployed military personnel to guard Jewish sites following an explosion at a synagogue in Liège on March 9, 2026. The attack, described by Belgian Interior Minister Bernard Quintin as a “despicable antisemitic act,” heightened concerns about growing threats to Jewish communities in Europe.
Iran-Linked Group Claims Multiple Attacks on Jewish Targets
A recently emerged terrorist group called Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiyya, or “The Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Right,” has claimed responsibility for several attacks on Jewish locations across Europe. These incidents include the Liège synagogue explosion, an arson attack on a synagogue in Rotterdam, an explosive attack on a Jewish school in Amsterdam, and another attack linked to the group in Greece. Israel’s Foreign Ministry identified the group as tied to an Iranian proxy and noted the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) continues to sponsor terror globally.
Belgian and International Responses to Rising Antisemitism
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever condemned the attack, stating that antisemitism is an attack on the country’s values and society. Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken announced the deployment of military forces to protect Jewish communities, emphasizing zero tolerance for antisemitism. U.S. officials praised Belgium’s security measures, including Ambassador Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun and Under Secretary of State Sarah B. Rogers, who highlighted the importance of practical actions against antisemitic violence.
The World Jewish Congress called the attack part of a disturbing rise in antisemitic incidents and violent extremism in Europe, signaling a renewed escalation of threats. Belgium has maintained elevated security around Jewish institutions since previous attacks, including the 2014 Brussels Jewish Museum shooting that resulted in four deaths.
For more stories on this topic, visit our category page.
