\u201cFight against Antisemitism through training anD awareness raising activitiEs \u2013 F.A.D.E\u201d is a European project that was presented in Rome on November 22, and whose purpose is to improve public authorities\u2019 ability to identify, prosecute and fight against episodes of discrimination and antisemitic hatred. This initiative, which will last 18 months, involves the Union of the Italian Jewish Communities, Foundation Jewish Contemporary Documentation Center, the Italian Office against Racial Discrimination \u2013 Unar, Ceji \u2013 A Jewish Contribution to an Inclusive Europe, and Reflect – Research Evaluation Training Technical Assistance srl. The project expresses itself through \u201ca coherent series of activities\u201d designed to improve the effectiveness of the action, for example by increasing the knowledge of the complaints mechanism and by enhancing the cooperation between different public authorities and between them and other civil society actors.
\n\u201cThis moment is both significant and important. The added value of this project can be found in the platform, in the network that brings together those institutions whose daily purpose is to fight against antisemitism. Today we are putting the pieces together,\u201d stated Noemi Di Segni, President of the Union of the Italian Jewish Communities. Di Segni also pointed out that this commitment is even more urgent at a time when the resurgence of antisemitism is also affecting Italy. According to Mattia Peradotto, Director of Unar, \u201cantisemitism is a structural problem in Italian society; we need to attack it, and it is even more necessary after the 7th of October.\u201d The purpose is to \u201cget to an effective result that impacts not just our nation.\u201d
\nMelissa Sonnino, senior program manager of Ceji, explained that, as reported by Noa (Networks Overcoming Antisemitism), Italy\u2019s strong point is \u201cthe legislation addressing the most serious and growing forms of antisemitism, such as security laws, hate crimes and hate speech\u201d; however, it is weaker in \u201cimplementing measures aimed at preventing discrimination against Jewish people and communities.\u201d The areas with more opportunities for improvement and impact are, among others, education, culture, sports, intercultural dialogue, media. These areas are seen as essential \u201cin strengthening society\u2019s resilience to extremism\u201d and in preventing \u201can escalation.\u201d<\/p>\n