Across Europe, hostility toward Israel is growing—often crossing the line from legitimate criticism into incitement, delegitimization and even outright antisemitism.
In Italy over recent weeks, new red lines have been crossed. Just days after posters reading “Israelis are not wanted” were hung across Milan, this week Italy’s Jewish community in Rome was shocked to discover a disturbing poster at the Trastevere tram station depicting a headless Nazi soldier wearing a Star of David on his arm in place of a swastika. The bottom of the poster bore the years “1948 to 2025”—marking the year of Israel’s independence and the current year.
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Poster hung in Rome that compares Israel or Israeli soldiers to Nazis
(Photo: From the X platform)
Victor Fadlun, head of Rome’s Jewish community, strongly condemned the poster. “Despite efforts by the authorities, this incident symbolizes a recurring and unacceptable expression of antisemitism that finds fertile ground in a poisoned public atmosphere, fueled by irresponsible words and a narrative full of hate,” he said.
“The Jewish community of Rome resolutely clarifies that we will not tolerate any form of intimidation or insult against the memory, identity and dignity of the Jewish people," Fadlun added. "We will continue to remain vigilant and will file complaints and condemn—without hesitation—not only antisemitic acts but also the hateful language that gives them legitimacy and justification.”
He urged “everyone to stand clearly beside democratic values without hesitation, as opposing antisemitism is not just the fight of Jews, but our collective responsibility.”
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After images of the antisemitic poster circulated widely in Italian media and on social networks, the local public transit agency quickly removed it and reported that they had contacted authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice.
In June, several antisemitic incidents occurred in Italy. Graffiti such as “ Jews Out,” “Sieg Heil,” and a swastika were sprayed on the entrance door of the Beit Shmuel synagogue of Rome’s Libyan-Jewish community. Days later, in the Primoli district of Rome, more hateful slogans were found spray-painted on walls, including “More Dachau, less Netanyahu,” and “Free Palestine.”