Vice President of Milan’s Jewish Community Reports Increased Security
In Italy, Dalia Gubbay, vice president of Milan’s Jewish community, said that due to rising antisemitism, children attend schools under increased police protection, and security is also needed near synagogues. She said this in an interview with the Jerusalem Post.
According to Gubbay, after services, worshippers are advised not to remain near the synagogue: police ask people to disperse for security reasons. She noted that she does not want to remove jewelry with the Star of David, although her mother fears for her safety. At the same time, Gubbay advises her children not to wear conspicuous religious items in public, including a kippah or tzitzit.
Concerns for Children
Gubbay said that her son recently encountered an antisemitic incident during a summer camp of the Bnei Akiva youth movement in Bulgaria. Her 18-year-old daughter, who is completing her studies before entering university, is concerned about the need to choose between openly expressing her Jewish identity and personal safety.
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Milan’s Jewish community, according to Gubbay, has about 7,000 people. It includes Jews from Tripoli, Iran, Lebanon, Egypt, and Italian Jews; the city has around 20 synagogues and three community schools.
Complaints About Hostility
Gubbay also said that one-sided messaging is widespread in the education system and academic environment. She mentioned teachers’ associations, including Docenti per Gaza, which, according to her, attempted to use the first day of the school year in public schools for protests. The community’s vice president added that Italy’s Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara responds to complaints and sends inspectors, but it is difficult to monitor all schools and classrooms.
According to her, on April 25, Italy’s Liberation Day from Nazism and Fascism, protesters told participants in a march carrying Jewish Brigade flags to leave the event. Police asked community representatives to leave, fearing for their safety. Ahead of the High Holidays, the community coordinates overt and discreet security measures with local police, Gubbay said.
