“May the old year, with all its curses, come to an end, and may the new year, with all its blessings, begin.”
As we reflect on the meaning of the time ahead and the responsibilities entrusted to us, the beginning of a new cycle carries the promise of positive change, no matter how difficult the previous period may have been.
As the year comes to a close, we are deeply concerned about the rise in antisemitic incidents and the growing sense of isolation that accompanies them, particularly among our young people. The debate surrounding Israel and Zionism has become increasingly polarized, while the space for freely expressing opinions and identities has narrowed in many contexts.
Therefore, it is essential to preserve and reclaim these spaces for discussion while respecting different perspectives and sensitivities. Recent protests against the proposed antisemitism bill demonstrate the complexity of this debate and the importance of keeping it within the bounds of democratic dialogue while firmly asserting our place within it. All of this requires vigilance and responsibility.
My appeal for the coming year is that we do not give in or retreat, but continue to live our Jewish lives fully, grounded in the depth of our roots.
This means defending our identity and our dignity when they are threatened, standing against every form of hatred and discrimination, and preserving our memory and transforming it into civic engagement. It means having the determination to build strong, open, and supportive communities capable of confronting the present challenges without compromising their principles.
Therefore, let us enter 5787 with the awareness that the future is not something we await passively; it is something we build.
May this be a year of light, courage, and responsibility for us and our brothers and sisters around the world. May each of us contribute to strengthening our community and deepening the bond connecting our past to our future.
Shanah Tovah Umetukah
Livia Ottolenghi
President of the Union of the Italian Jewish Communities