In Italy, as well as in other European cities, the sympathy towards Israel has been expressed through strong symbolic gestures. The most significant institutional building to light up blue for Israel has been Palazzo Chigi, the seat of the Italian Government in Rome. Multiple regional and local administrations chose to do the same, showing their support on the facades of public buildings and backing up these initiatives with declarations of support and condolences.
\n\u201cWe are truly close to the mourning of the victims\u2019 families, and we wish the many injured a fast and full recovery,\u201d stated the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella, in a message sent to his Israeli counterpart, Isaac Herzog. The Italian President took the occasion to reiterate \u201cthe most firm and convinced condemnation of this treacherous attack, which threatens Israel\u2019s safety and removes the prospect of a lasting peace, desired and felt to be necessary by everyone, between Israelis and Palestinians.\u201d Initiatives of gathering and solidarity towards the State of Israel are taking place all over Jewish Italy.
\nIn Rome, the Great Synagogue was crowded for a moment of prayer which started with a memorial dedicated to the almost 800 citizens of Rome killed on their arrival at Auschwitz-Birkenau, on the 80th Anniversary of their murder, according to the Jewish date. The celebration continued with thoughts turned to the tragedy of these past hours. \u201cThese are two separate moments, as each one of them deserves attention\u201d, explained the Chief Rabbi of Rome Riccardo Di Segni opening the ceremony on the 41st anniversary of the Palestinian attack that led to the death of Stefano Gaj Tach\u00e9. The two-year-old toddler was murdered by terrorists who barged into Tempio Maggiore, the Great Synagogue of Rome, on Saturday morning, October 9, 1982. His brother, Gadiel, was among the most severely injured and was long stuck between life and death.During the ceremony, the Ambassador of Israel, Alon Bar urged maximum unity and cohesion, and expressed his firm belief in the possibility to overcome this new and terrible challenge. \u201cIsrael \u2013 he stated \u2013 is going through one of the hardest moments of its history: today as forty years ago, when little Stefano was murdered in the name of the same strategy of terror, we are dismayed at the sight of so much hatred.\u201d
\nLater on, the diplomat expressed his gratitude for the support offered by a significant part of the Italian society. \u201cSeeing the Israeli flags displayed and projected on government buildings is touching,\u201d Ambassador Bar commented, urging to stand together \u201cagainst the terrorism of Hamas\u201d and to support \u201cIsrael’s right and duty\u201d to self-defense. <\/p>\n