In a concerning development, a mural in Milan portraying a survivor of the October 7, 2023, attacks in Israel was defaced on October 7, 2024. This incident underscores a troubling trend of increasing antisemitism in Italy, as reported by the Antisemitism Observatory in Milan.
Stefano Gatti, a researcher at the observatory, noted a significant uptick in antisemitic occurrences. The frequency has escalated from approximately 30 incidents weekly to between 80 and 90 in the past year. Gatti described this increase as "overpowering," highlighting a shift from primarily online manifestations to real-world actions.
The range of antisemitic acts includes graffiti, verbal abuse, intimidation, and aggression. While no cases of physical harm have been reported, several alarming incidents have occurred. In one instance, a rabbi in Genoa was pursued by an individual wielding a screwdriver. Another case involved a restaurant proprietor making casual antisemitic remarks to patrons.
Gatti drew parallels to historical periods of antisemitism, stating, "We have not seen a situation like this since 1945." He emphasized that even during the 1982 Lebanon War, when Israel entered southern Lebanon, the situation was not as severe.
The researcher expressed concern over the lack of clear condemnation from local mayors and university officials, suggesting this has contributed to the problem's growth.
The vandalized mural, titled "October 7th, Escape" by artist AleXsandro Palombo, depicted Vlada Patapov escaping the Hamas attack. Vandals erased the figure's head and legs from the artwork near Milan's state university.
Palombo responded to the vandalism, stating that those who "decapitated" the image are not advocating for Palestinian liberation. He emphasized the importance of preserving images of the Hamas attack in collective memory as a warning against the threats of Islamist terrorism and religious fundamentalism.
"These extremist movements that are increasingly radicalizing our society have the sole purpose of defending terrorist belief in our Western democracy."
This incident occurs against the backdrop of Italy's complex history with antisemitism. As the country with the fourth-largest Jewish population in Europe, Italy has grappled with prejudice against Jews for centuries. The current surge in antisemitic acts raises concerns about the social acceptability of such prejudice and its potential long-term impacts on Italian society.
The vandalism of Palombo's mural not only represents an attack on art but also serves as a form of cultural destruction. It highlights the ongoing tension between freedom of expression and the need to combat hate speech and discrimination.
As Italy confronts this rise in antisemitism, the role of public officials and institutions in shaping social attitudes becomes increasingly crucial. The response to such incidents will likely play a significant part in determining the course of this troubling trend in the coming months and years.