Italy Investigates Hate Crime Attack on Jewish Father and Son

Prosecutors in Italy are looking into an attack on a Jewish man and his six-year-old son as a potential hate crime. The incident occurred at a highway rest area approximately 20 kilometers north of Milan on the evening of July 29, 2023. The father, a 52-year-old French tourist, and his son were targeted due to their visible religious attire, specifically a kippah, which prompted hostile reactions from nearby individuals.

According to reports from the Milan daily Corriere della Sera, the situation escalated rapidly after a cashier at the rest stop shouted “Free Palestine.” This statement sparked a crowd response, with other customers joining in with shouts of “murders” and “genocide.” The father recorded the events on his smartphone until he was attacked by a group, which involved being kicked and punched as they attempted to seize his device.

Authorities are currently reviewing video surveillance footage from the rest area to gather more information regarding the incident. The father explained to Corriere della Sera that he had been returning to Paris after visiting his daughter and her Italian husband in Milan when the attack took place. He and his son had just left the restroom, where the confrontation began.

A female bystander intervened during the attack, defending the child, who was understandably distressed by the unfolding events. The assault ceased only when the father called for police assistance, who arrived approximately ten minutes after the alarm was raised.

Daniele Nahum, a member of the Milan city council, condemned the attack during a council meeting on July 31, 2023. He remarked that “the antisemitic situation is becoming unmanageable,” emphasizing the growing concerns regarding antisemitism in the region.

The Milan-based Antisemitism Observatory reported a significant increase in antisemitic incidents in Italy, with such occurrences almost doubling in the past year. In 2022, there were 877 incidents, a sharp rise from 454 in 2021. This alarming trend highlights the urgent need for action and awareness concerning hate crimes targeting Jewish individuals in Italy and beyond.

As investigations continue, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by minority communities and the importance of addressing hate-fueled violence in society.