NEWS Italian Senate approves a committee against antisemitism and hatred

By Pagine Ebraiche staff

The Italian Senate approved the motion to establish a special committee against intolerance, racism, antisemitism and hate and violence incitement presented by Liliana Segre with 151 votes in favors, while 98 members decided to abstain. Those who chose to abstain were the senators representing the right-wing parties League, Brothers of Italy (FdI) and Forza Italia (FI).

“With the approval to an extraordinary committee against intolerance, racism, antisemitism, hatred and violence incitement, a motion whose first endorser was Shoah witness and Senator for life Liliana Segre, the Senate has sent a significant message to the whole Italian community today,” UCEI President Noemi Di Segni commented.

“In a time marked by growing hate and ill words pervading every aspect of our real and virtual life, it is necessary that public institutions intervene with great incisiveness, strength and authority. No further hesitation is possible, considering the abyss that could open in front of us. The proposal of Senator Segre filled a significant void and meant to offer new solutions to tackle this dramatically and crucially present phenomenon,” she added.

“So, congratulations to Liliana for this achievement. And thanks to everyone who, from different political backgrounds, have supported and will support her in this challenge. Those who abstained today cannot be excused from participating in this engagement. The choice of abstaining of some parties remains incomprehensible and irresponsible. It was a quite explicit way to legitimate or show indifference towards hatred that should concern every one of us, regardless of any political affiliation,” she concluded.

Translated by Rachele Ferin, student at the Advanced School for Interpreters and Translators of Trieste University, intern at the newspaper office of the Union of the Italian Jewish Communities.