Jewish Italy Commemorates October 7 and Looks to the Future

Three years after October 7, 2023, Rome’s Great Synagogue hosted a well-attended ceremony organized by the UCEI, the Roman Jewish Community, and the Israeli Embassy. Roman Jews, officials, diplomats, and representatives of the Church observed a minute of silence for the victims of the October 7 pogrom and for those of the attack on the same synagogue on October 9, 1982, when two-year-old Stefano Gaj Taché was killed and more than 40 people were wounded in an attack carried out by Palestinian terrorists. Among those present at the ceremony were Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, the national coordinator for the fight against antisemitism Pasquale Angelosanto, and numerous institutional representatives. Rome’s Chief Rabbi Riccardo Di Segni emphasized that, unlike the trauma of 1982, the consequences of October 7 remain unresolved. He spoke of an “epochal change” in the relationship between Italian Jews and society: whereas 20 to 30 years ago Jews were considered guardians of memory and champions of democratic and anti-fascist values, today they are increasingly portrayed as supporters or accomplices of Israel, and, according to Di Segni, “any taboo surrounding antisemitism has fallen.” He called on Jewish communities to respond by reinforcing the values of their tradition and emphasized that Jews, too, will be judged by history for how they have responded to this situation. UCEI President Livia Ottolenghi dedicated her remarks to the victims of October 7 and, in particular, to the sexual violence committed during the Hamas attack, noting that some of the female victims were initially ignored or not believed. She also denounced the climate that many young Jews are forced to face today—marked by fear, discrimination, and attacks on their identity in the streets, schools, and universities. According to Ottolenghi, it is precisely in this context that we must neither retreat nor hide: she urged young people to live “with their heads held high,” without renouncing their Jewish identity, their history, or their values. The UCEI president also emphasized the importance of preserving the memory of October 7 and of countering any attempt to deny or downplay the atrocities committed that day. Victor Fadlun, president of the Jewish Community of Rome, denounced the gradual erasure and downplaying of October 7, reiterating the need to keep the memory alive and to transform it into a concrete commitment to the future of the Jewish community. He thanked the institutions and law enforcement agencies for the solidarity they have shown. Gadiel Gaj Taché, brother of Stefano, who was killed in the 1982 attack, also spoke at the ceremony. He recalled the massive turnout by the people of Rome at his brother’s funeral and the support received from the city at that time, emphasizing the bond between Italian Jews and the country in which they live, as well as with Israel. “We love Italy and we love Israel.” Israeli Ambassador Jonathan Peled also attended the commemoration. The ceremony concluded with the Italian and Israeli national anthems.

Milan Synagogue Marks October 7 Anniversary: “Be proud to be Jewish”
Three years after the October 7, 2023 pogrom, Milan’s Central Synagogue hosted a commemoration organized by the Jewish community. Many non-Jewish citizens attended the event, which had a very large turnout. Shortly beforehand, a flash mob in Piazza della Scala honored the victims with 1,200 stones and an equal number of white roses.
Milan’s chief rabbi, Alfonso Arbib, thanked those present, emphasizing that their participation “warms the heart” and offers a reason for optimism. He described October 7 as “an open wound” and denounced the lack of empathy shown after the massacre, as well as the speed with which attempts to deny the atrocities began. Arbib also warned against the “anti-Semitism of the well-meaning”—that of people who consider themselves good but fail to recognize their own prejudices. He called on the majority of Italians who do not share these attitudes to make their voices heard.
Walker Meghnagi, president of the Jewish community, described the turnout for the commemoration as “a sign of solidarity in a difficult time” and thanked Senator for Life Liliana Segre, the authorities, and law enforcement. However, he reiterated the need to be able to live normally: “Our children must be able to go to school. They must be able to go to college without fear.”
Liz Hirsh Naftali’s testimony was particularly significant. She is the great-aunt of Abigail Mor Edan, who was abducted at the age of three and taken to Gaza from Kfar Aza after her parents were killed. Her siblings, Michael and Amalia—nine and six years old at the time—remained hidden beside their mother’s body for fourteen hours. Abigail was freed after 51 days in captivity. Liz Hirsh Naftali recounted the campaign waged in the United States to secure the hostages’ release and called for the stories of the victims and children to continue to be told.
Pollster Alessandra Ghisleri presented data highlighting a significant generational gap in how antisemitism is perceived: 50% of Italians recognize the phenomenon, compared to only 28% of young people between 18 and 24 years old, and 60% of those over 65. Ghisleri attributes this disparity to a lack of knowledge about Jewish history and a tendency to conflate Jews, Israelis, and Italian citizens.
Lombardy’s president, Attilio Fontana, called for a joint commitment to combating antisemitism. Milan’s deputy mayor, Martina Riva, emphasized that ensuring the safety of the Jewish community is the responsibility of the entire city.
In conclusion, Hirsh Naftali urged the community and everyone present not to forget October 7: “For Abigail, for all children, please tell these stories,” she said, urging Jews not to hide their identity: “Be proud to be Jewish. Don’t give up.”

Contemplation and Light in Italy’s Synagogues

On the evening of October 6, Italian Jewish communities gathered in solemn remembrance to honor the lives lost in the massacres of October 7, 2023. On this occasion, synagogues across the country were illuminated, while inside, the ceremonies began with a minute of silence as part of the “A Minute Together” initiative promoted by the Union of Italian Jewish Communities (UCEI) on the third anniversary of the pogrom.

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