Rome’s Beth Michael Synagogue Vandalized

The exterior of the Beth Michael Synagogue in Monteverde, Rome, was vandalized by unknown individuals. The plaque commemorating Stefano Gaj Taché, a two-year-old boy who was murdered by Palestinian terrorists in the attack on the Great Synagogue of Rome on October 9, 1982, was also defaced with black paint. The synagogue is dedicated to him. Italian President Sergio Mattarella condemned the act of intimidation and called the president of Rome’s Jewish Community, Victor Fadlun, to express his sympathy and solidarity.

Fadlun denounced the incident, which took place “in the aftermath of yet another pro-Palestinian demonstration.” He emphasized that it is part of “an intimidating climate” following the November 29 attack on the headquarters of the daily newspaper La Stampa in Turin. “Antisemitism has become the most abject possible tool of political protest,” he said. Fadlun called the vandalism a “gesture that insults the Jewish community” and urged “strong government intervention to stop this spiral of hatred.” 

Noemi Di Segni, president of the UCEI, said, “The graffiti that appeared on the plaque in memory of Stefano Gaj Taché and on the outer wall of the Monteverde synagogue is a cowardly act that affects not only the Jewish community but also the entire country.” Di Segni added that the incident “deeply shocks us and should shake the conscience of all Italians as it highlights the presence of fringe groups that do not hesitate to desecrate the memory, history, and fundamental values of our democracy.”

In a statement, the Union of Italian Young Jews (UGEI) declared: “We will not allow the memory of Stefano Gaj Taché to be tarnished, nor will we allow the idea that Jews in Italy are legitimate targets to become normalized.” The city’s mayor, Roberto Gualteri, said, “Attacking a place of worship and vandalizing the plaque dedicated to Stefano Gaj Taché, a child victim of terrorism, is a very serious act that aims to undermine the respect that holds our civic community together, but it will not happen.”