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.” This information comes from a report by the Union of Italian Young Jews \u2013\u00a0UGEI, based on a survey conducted among a sample of over 400 students and workers aged 18-35, interviewed between November and May.
\nThe results are described as “decidedly alarming” by UGEI, noting that 82% of young Italian Jews (up from 83% in November) strongly agree that antisemitism is increasing compared to the past. More than half specifically believe that their identity could be a “reason for discrimination” in the workplace or at university.
\nRegarding universities, often the backdrop of more aggressive propaganda campaigns, UGEI reports that the “vast majority” of Jewish students “do not feel safe” expressing their faith and opinions there: 71% in declaring themselves Jewish, and 86% regarding the opportunity to comment on Israel. The survey also reveals widespread dissatisfaction with the institutions’ responses so far: 39% of the sample finds it “insufficient,” while 33% rate it as “poor.”
\nFrom these and other data, a picture emerges of “growing concern among young Italian Jews, who feel judged and discriminated against because of their identity,” commented UGEI President Luca Spizzichino in a statement. Spizzichino called for “concrete and immediate commitment” from all sectors of society “to combat antisemitism in all its forms.” “Hatred and discrimination must not be allowed to become the norm,” he stressed.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"