On the European Day of Jewish Culture, Milan’s main synagogue delivered a message above all of coexistence and dialogue, as well as a call to counter the increasingly difficult climate for Jews. “We are certainly not living in a time of love. Perhaps we have never needed it more,” said Milan’s Chief Rabbi, Alfonso Arbib, immediately highlighting the paradox at the heart of this year’s event.
Mayor Giuseppe Sala and the Call for Coexistence
The message was echoed by Milan’s Mayor Giusepoe Sala, who attended the event after months of tension between the City Hall and the Jewish Community. “The mayor has a duty to ensure that the different communities work together to keep alive and strong the largest community of all, the Milanese community,” Sala said at his final European Day of Jewish Culture as mayor. “Bringing everyone together is not easy, but it is precisely what needs to be done.”
Walker Meghnagi, president of Milan’s Jewish Community, described Sala’s presence as “important and not something to be taken for granted,” thanking the public and institutions in attendance. “Everyone’s support at this difficult time is important,” he said.
Sala also revisited the city’s twinning agreement with Tel Aviv, which has been at the center of political debate in recent months. “If I defend the reasons for the twinning with Tel Aviv, I am clearly criticized for doing so,” he said. However, he added that “we Milanese want there to be a genuine peace process in the Middle East”—one that must be built through “dialogue” and “mutual respect.” Therefore, he expressed hope for “a community of shared purpose with the Jewish Community” and for love and culture to become “the best antidote to all forms of violence and injustice.”
Identity and Antisemitism
Rabbi Arbib’s initial paradox evolved into a more extensive contemplation on modern anti-Zionism, which he characterized as “a process of delegitimization.” This process, he explained, is not just directed at the State of Israel but also at the Jewish people. “The connection between Jews and the land of Israel is being called into question. We are told that we imagined this connection,” he said, stressing that it is “one of the pillars of Jewish identity.”
“Everyone should be free to express their opinion about any Israeli government, past, present, or future,” Arbib added. “But no one can tell us what to love. No one can tell us what our identity should be.”
Milo Hasbani, vice president of the Union of Italian Jewish Communities (UCEI), also addressed the climate following October 7, 2023. “Antisemitism in Italy has increased by 400 percent. This is deeply concerning, especially for us Jews who live here,” he said. Referring to Sala’s remarks about Jewish participation in Milan’s civic life, Hasbani described it as “a commitment” to the city.
“Let us all work together to reverse this trend because this situation is making our lives extremely difficult,” he said. His appeal to politicians, the media, and the public was straightforward: “Let us live peacefully as Italian citizens.” Monique Sasson, vice president of UCEI, also attended the event.
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