UCEI – Condemnation of Italian Jews, April 25th marred by anti-Semitism. Appeal to Mattarella

Below is the text of the press release issued by the Union of Italian Jewish Communities on April 26, 2026:

The Union of Italian Jewish Communities, together with the Jewish communities of Milan, Bologna, and Rome, express their strongest and most indignant condemnation of today’s demonstrations in Milan, Bologna, and Rome: extremely serious and violent incidents have marred a day that represents a cornerstone of our country’s memory and democratic identity: April 25th, Liberation Day from Nazi-Fascism.
In Milan, for the first time, Jewish groups were prevented from marching with their symbols at the celebrations. Despite lengthy negotiations, including with law enforcement, they were expelled from the procession and escorted away. Violent perpetrators cannot dictate the rules for access to demonstrations or influence their normal conduct. It is particularly serious that the memory of the Jewish Brigade, a formation composed of Jewish volunteers who fought alongside the Allies to liberate Italy from Nazi-Fascism, was also targeted: offending the Jewish Brigade means offending the very history of Italian Liberation.
Openly anti-Semitic behavior and slogans (“you’re just failed soap bars”) have been reported in Italian squares. Anti-Semitism is a manifestation of hatred that targets Italian citizens and communities rooted in the history of the Republic. Violence has erupted in many cities, ultimately targeting some protesters, who were present with various colors and flags. We are increasingly concerned about the manipulation of April 25th and of history, and the ideological tendencies that fuel disorder and create a climate of hatred.
On behalf of all 21 Italian Jewish communities, the UCEI makes a heartfelt appeal to the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, to continue to uphold constitutional values: the freedom to demonstrate can never translate into intimidation or discrimination against other citizens, and freedom of speech cannot be restricted or limited, as occurred during the fascist dictatorship.
April 25th belongs to all Italians, without exception. We will never allow the Jewish contribution to the Resistance and the construction of the Republic to be forgotten, nor will we allow history to be distorted or constitutional principles to be betrayed.

UCEI, Livia Ottolenghi
Comunità Ebraica di Milano, Walker Meghnagi
Comunità Ebraica di Bologna, Daniele De Paz
Comunità Ebraica di Roma, Victor Fadlun

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