The exclusion of the Jewish LGBTQ group Keshet from Roma Pride quickly turned into an interpretive conflict. The issue is not only who is allowed to march, but also what it means to “belong” to an inclusive demonstration, both in statute and in practice. All accounts agree on one point: The decision is not solely …
A video of a doctor and a nurse in Pratovecchio Stia, Arezzo, Tuscany, filming themselves smugly trashing medications by the Israeli pharmaceutical Teva has also reached Israel. The video was filmed at the Casa della Salute (Health House), which is part of the Italian National Health Service. “This is a serious matter. These medications are …
Last year, the Bishops’ Conference of France published a volume entitled Déconstruire l’antijudaïsme chrétien à partir de l’enseignement de l’Eglise (Deconstructing Christian anti-Judaism from the teachings of the Church), which addresses various unresolved problems in the relationship between Jews and Christians and focuses on the millennia-old persistence of certain prejudices. The rabbinate, not only in …
David Patsi, an esteemed figure in the Italian and international Jewish world, passed away on January 25, in Jerusalem. Well known in European Jewish circles as a cultural attaché for the Jewish Agency, he later served as president of Hevrat Yehude Italia, an organization representing Italian-Israeli citizens, and of the Dante Alighieri society in Jerusalem.Born …
“If am here today, it is because two families and two brave policemen saved my family when, when Jews were chased and persecuted in the last century,” recalled Ermanno Smulevich (photo below) on February 13 in the Hall of the Queen at Palazzo Montecitorio, the seat of the Chamber of Deputies in Roma. Italian Police …
“I was born in 1955 and often wondered why, both in the world of culture and among ordinary people, by the end of 1930s no one noticed or didn’t want to notice, that that the world, particularly the Jewish world, was descending into a catastrophic spiral that culminated in the Shoah. Was it so difficult …
A new year has just begun, more eagerly awaited than ever, with the hope that 5785 will mark an absolute change and that we may be granted security, serenity, peace of mind, the recognition of truth and virtue. Prayers are intensifying, becoming more and more communal, as an entire people unite in the supreme value …
Most young Italian Jews have opted to adjust “their daily habits” to some extent in response to the increasing antisemitism in the country. Often, this occurs at universities, seen as the epicenter “of a growing climate of hatred and intolerance, where Israeli and Jewish students have found themselves on the front lines facing antisemitic hatred.” …
Gioventù nazionale is the youth wing of the Italian PM Giorgia Meloni’s party Brothers of Italy. An undercover video investigation realized by Backstair, the investigative unit of the website Fanpage.it, now documents to what extent nostalgia for fascism is dangerously widespread within the movement, with fascism associated mottos and Hitler and fascist salutes. Titled Melonian …
“L’histoire de l’enlèvement d’Edgardo Mortara est tellement atroce que, si elle n’était pas vraie, personne n’y croirait”. Le journaliste Daniele Scalise parle d’un drame, tout d’abord par rapport à la première victime de cet évènement : le petit Edgardo, arraché à sa famille par l’Église de Pie IX. “La lutte de sa famille pour qu’il …
Par Ada Treves Cette année au Salon du Livre de Turin ont également participé Sofia Busatto, Alida Caccia, Diana Drudi, Margherita Francese et Marta Gustinucci, parmi les derniers étudiants de l’université de Trieste qui ont effectué ou effectuent actuellement un stage au sein de la rédaction de l’Union des Communautés Juives Italiennes. Elles sont arrivées …
Some forms of antisemitism are easily recognizable, while others are more difficult to identify if you do not have the right tools and an education that is both strong and adaptable. This is what a strategic alliance between the Union of Italian Jewish Communities and TikTok, the world’s leading social media platform by number of …
Last week, Italian general elections made news on the international press and Jewish media has been covering with special attention the success of right-winger Giorgia Meloni and the Brothers of Italy. The prospect of the right-wing government elicited many reactions and raised a few concerns. Italy’s Jewish community isn’t worried about new ‘fascist’ PM is …
Great sorrow, also in the Jewish world, for the death of Piero Angela last week at 93. The celebrated science journalist and television host, widely considered Italy’s David Attenborough, was the protagonist of a bright page of culture and dissemination. As Italian Presidente Mattarella remarked, he was a “refined intellectual, journalist and writer who has …
Themes of the stricter actuality of Italian Judaism were the object of an in-depth interview with President of the Union of the Italian Jewish Communities Noemi Di Segni featured on the Sunday edition of Il Sole 24 Ore, the main Italian national daily business newspaper. It was an opportunity to explore the most strategic and …
By Guido Vitale* The autobiography of philosopher Jean Paul Sartre (“Les Mots”, The Words) consists, as it is well known, of only two chapters. The title of the final part is “Writing”, and describes how one of the greatest thinkers of the twentieth century conceived his work. Conversely, the title of the first chapter is …
Par Ada Treves Lire avec énorme difficulté, lutter pur décodifier un texte, affronter la lecture avec souffrance, même s’il s’agit d’un nombre très petit des pages, il ne s’agit pas de paresse. Il ne s’agit pas d’être négligent ou indifférent. La dyslexie en Italie n’est pas encore vraiment reconnue et pourtant, selon l’Association Italienne Dyslexie, …
By Jordan Palmer* It’s important that Jews of the 21st century understand and keep alive, the spirit and importance of past Jewish community’s contributions to society, including the area of the arts. Despite persecution and exile, Jews throughout the world have always been key contributors to the arts, both as patrons and artists. The art …
In Italy, as in the rest of the world, Hanukkah adapts for Covid-19 safety and moves on line. Although the Festival of lights looks vastly different in this time of pandemic and social distancing, the tradition of celebrating together however has not been canceled. Since the start of Hanukkah, many virtual events have allowed to …
A team of Israeli medical experts landed in northern Italy, last week, to help a Piedmont district hospital to cope with a surge in Covid 19 patients. The delegation of 20 doctors and experts from Israel’s Sheba Medical Center in Tel Hashomer, Israel’s largest hospital, will collaborate with doctors of Michele and Pietro Ferrero hospital …