TURIN – Gavriel Segre, scientific rigor and Jewish passion

Last week, Gavriel Segre, a 55-year-old physicist and researcher at the University of Turin, passed away. His sudden death has had a profound impact on everyone who knew and respected him. During his formative years, he was an active member of Jewish youth movements, particularly Hashomer Hatzair. This experience gave him a strong sense of identity and belonging that stayed with him until the end of his life. After completing a PhD in Physics at the University of Pavia in Italy, he held a postdoctoral position at the International Centre for Mathematical Modelling in Physics and Cognitive Sciences in Växjö, Sweden. He then continued his studies at the Jack and Pearl Reznick Institute of Advanced Technology at Bar-Ilan University in Israel. Throughout his scientific career, he developed a strong intellectual connection with Giorgio Parisi, who was later awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics.

“In recent months, he participated passionately in the public debate about the Middle East crisis and the war between Israel and Hamas, never shying away,” said Giulio Disegni, vice-president of the Union of Italian Jewish Communities. “He had a complex personality, even contradictory. When you met him, you were struck by his strong tones, vehemence and need to intervene and discuss. But all who knew him well could see his fundamental goodness and generosity, and his ability to quickly put aside any tension in favor of warmth and sincerity.”

The Segre family has been part of Jewish history in Turin and Italy for generations, and the commitment to the Jewish community has been passed down through the generations as a civil and moral responsibility. His parents, Franco Segre and Alda De Benedetti, were members of the UCEI Council and Board for many years. His aunt, Paola De Benedetti, was also a UCEI councillor. Gavriel’s sister, Anna Segre, is vice-president of the Jewish Community of Turin.