GORIZIA – A dialogue between cultures, under an olive tree

The first interfaith dialogue festival in Gorizia, organized by five religious communities — Jewish, Catholic, Islamic, Buddhist, and Methodist — opened with a symbolic gesture. An olive tree was planted in Piazzale di Casa Rossa, a historic location that was a key border crossing point between the Italian town of Gorizia and the Slovenian town of Nova Gorica. Recently revitalized in preparation for Gorizia and Nova Gorica’s designation as the 2025 European Capital of Culture, the area is now used as a venue for public events and concerts.
The olive tree serves as a powerful reminder of past atrocities and a symbol of hope, noted the Chief Rabbi of Trieste, Alexander Meloni. “The Jewish presence in Gorizia traces back to the 16th century, and since its beginnings, the community has played an active role in city life. “Animated by the desire to integrate without losing its identity, the community prospered for four centuries, becoming a reference point for the entire region,” he added.

“Gorizia was deeply affected by the conflicts that marked the 19th century, which caused the extermination of the Jewish community,” he said. “But over time, the city was able to rebuild peace and become a land of coexistence again.” “Creating a permanent space of dialogue between religions is the way to guarantee that we will not return to the dark hours of violence,” he concluded.