Channels

Photo: Reuters
Napolitano. 'Insults to Jewish community comparable only to repugnant material in those packages'
Photo: Reuters

Italian president condemns threats against Jews

President Giorgio Napolitano calls delivery of packages containing pig heads to Israeli Embassy and local synagogue 'a miserable provocation.' Two men arrested in Italy for anti-Semitic graffiti

Italy's president has condemned threats against Rome's Jewish community in recent days, including the delivery of packages containing pig heads, as a "miserable provocation that just assaulted all of us."

 

 

President Giorgio Napolitano said Monday during Holocaust Memorial Day commemorations

that recent insults to the Jewish community are "comparable only to the repugnant material in those packages."

 

Police on Monday said they had detained two men, ages 33 and 47, on suspicion of instigating racial hatred through anti-Semitic graffiti, including denial of the Holocaust, near the main judicial offices in Rome.

Authorities say the men belong to different far-right groups.

 

No arrests have been announced for the delivery of the pig heads.

 

The national association of Italian magistrates also condemned the "outrageous and grave" acts against Rome's Jewish community.

 

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) on Monday commended the Italian authorities for their strong condemnation of the anti-Semitic incidents.

 

"At a time when anti-Semitism in Europe remains a serious concern, especially in light of these abhorrent acts,

it is heartening that Italy’s leaders stood up in unison to condemn anti-Semitism," said ADL National Director Abraham H. Foxman.

 

"This swift and strong response is a perfect example of how public figures must address such incidents."

 

In a letter to Italian President Giorgio Napolitano, Mr. Foxman expressed his gratitude for Italy’s continued efforts in confronting anti-Semitism and racism.

 

Ynetnews contributed to this report

 


פרסום ראשון: 01.28.14, 09:08
 new comment
Warning:
This will delete your current comment