Prefer Jewish News on Google
Swastika carved on the door of KKL-JNF offices in Rome
Incident comes as watchdog finds anti-Jewish hate crimes in Italy nearly doubled in 2024
A swastika was carved into the door of the Jewish National Fund offices in Rome.
The organisation’s world chairwoman, Ifat Ovadia-Luski called the act “a painful reminder that Jew-hatred continues to raise its head in Europe and beyond.”
Calling on the Italian authorities to take firm steps to identify those responsible and prevent such acts, she added: “This cowardly act is meant to intimidate and erode the sense of security of Jews wherever they may be.”
The incident follows the harassment of a Jewish father and son, both wearing kippot, on 18 August as they waited to use the toilets at a restaurant in Milan. They were approached by several people who yelled at them: “Murderers,” “Go to hell,” “Go back to your country,” and “Free Palestine.”
A recent report by the Milan-based think tank Centro di Documentazione Ebraica Contemporanea (CDEC) revealed that in 2024 there were 877 complaints about antisemitic incidents in the country, compared to 454 in 2023 and 241 in 2022.
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
