Authorities are investigating a possible antisemitic motive for an assault that occurred Sunday in Rome’s Marconi district, where a member of the Jewish Community was kicked and punched by at least two attackers in front of his wife and daughter. The man, who was wearing a kippah, was subsequently transported to the hospital. Before striking him, the attackers reportedly insulted him in Arabic.
“It has happened in Rome as well. a member of our Community who did not want to give up wearing his kippah as usual was insulted and attacked for it,” stated Victor Fadlun, President of the Jewish Community of Rome, in a press release.
“We strongly denounce this episode; we ask that full light be shed on the matter and that those responsible be punished. We thank the authorities and law enforcement for the daily protection they guarantee to our entire Community,” Fadlun added, explaining that it must be clear to everyone that “antisemitism has always existed, and after October 7th, it has increased exponentially.”
Regarding the significance of the event, Fadlun continued: “It must also be clear that when a Jew is insulted and attacked in Italy, in Rome, simply for being Jewish, the fundamental values of the Constitution—which belongs to all of us Italians—are being called into question.”
