BOLOGNA – Jewish Community and Archbishop Zuppi: “Let us return to dialogue”

“Let the weapons and military operations in Gaza, as well as the launching of missiles against Israel, cease. Let the hostages be released and their bodies returned. Let the hungry be fed, and let the injured be cared for. Allow humanitarian corridors. Stop the occupation of lands meant for others. Let us return to dialogue, the only alternative to destruction. Stop the violence.”
This joint message from the president of Bologna’s Jewish Community, Daniele De Paz, and the archbishop of Bologna and president of the Italian Conference of Bishops, Matteo Zuppi, was later endorsed by Holocaust survivor and Life Senator Liliana Segre.

De Paz explained to Pagine Ebraiche that these words, which ask to strengthen “every courageous road to peace,” were initially supposed to carry three signatures, not just his and Archbishop Zuppi’s. “We wanted to involve the three religious communities that have participated in the project for a house of encounter and dialogue among religions and cultures since 2021.”

However, Yassine Lafram, the president of the Islamic Community and the Italian Union of Islamic Communities and Organizations (UCOII), “decided not to subscribe despite Zuppi’s many solicitations.” De Paz said the reason “was that the word ‘genocide’ was not mentioned in association with Gaza: We strongly opposed that formula, and Zuppi did not agree with it either,” he said.

Despite the missing signature, the decision was made to appeal to public opinion. “A signal was needed,” said De Paz, “because there were many solicitations after the Emilia-Romagna region decided to cut relations with Israel. The municipal government followed suit, and the university approved a similar resolution. All of this provoked a strong sense of unease in our society at a time when harsh tones toward Jewish communities are increasing.”

The appeal clarifies that “justice for the Palestinian people and security for the Israeli people can only be achieved through mutual acknowledgment, respect for fundamental rights, and a willingness to communicate.” De Paz said that he received strong opposition to this initiative. “But the messages of support have far outnumbered those trying to discredit me, even within the Jewish community.”

Both Zuppi and De Paz represent their communities at the national level as well. However, De Paz said, “I addressed them for the role they play in the region.”