As the sun rises over Rome, the Great Synagogue is preparing to host a solemn ceremony commemorating one year since the devastating attack by Hamas on October 7. The event will be attended by prominent figures from the Jewish community, including Chief Rabbi Riccardo Di Segni and Noemi Di Segni, president of the Union of Italian Jewish Communities, along with political leaders and government representatives. Notable attendees include ministers Giuli, Piantedosi, and Valditara, with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expected to arrive shortly. The atmosphere is charged, underscored by heightened security measures in the Ghetto area surrounding the synagogue.
In his address, Rabbi Di Segni emphasized that the events of October 7 were not isolated incidents but part of a troubling narrative that expresses “blind and senseless hatred” against the Jewish people. He criticized international organizations for their biased responses, suggesting they have become amplifiers of deep-seated anti-Semitism. “It is not just about defending Jews, who find themselves looking over their shoulders these days,” Di Segni asserted. “It is about defending democracy itself.”
Prime Minister Meloni spoke passionately, asserting that remembering and condemning last year’s attacks is crucial for any political action aimed at restoring peace in the Middle East. She highlighted the troubling trend of reticence in addressing anti-Semitism, calling it a “latent and spreading” issue that should alarm everyone. Meloni affirmed Israel’s right to defend itself within the framework of international humanitarian law, while also acknowledging the heavy toll of civilian casualties in Gaza, describing them as victims of both Hamas’s cynicism and Israeli military operations.
Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini reflected on the sorrow surrounding the tragic events, remembering the innocent lives lost, particularly children, and reaffirming Israel’s right to exist and defend itself against Islamic terrorism. In a heartfelt social media statement, he emphasized the need for peaceful coexistence between Israel and its neighbors, countering the horrors of terrorism.
Rabbi Di Segni raised concerns about a “systematic campaign of disinformation” surrounding the October 7 attacks. He described the toll on victims’ dignity and the distortion of facts as a collective intoxication that has clouded public perception. “This has led to a romanticization of terrorism as a revolutionary act,” he lamented, cautioning that the current atmosphere bears a dangerous resemblance to past periods of violence in Italy.
Noemi Di Segni echoed these sentiments, voicing collective anxiety about the uncertain future for Jewish communities in Italy and across Europe. During the commemorative ceremony, she expressed solidarity with victims and the ongoing struggle against anti-Semitism, stating that this crisis is not just a Jewish concern but one that affects the entire fabric of society.
The ceremony saw a significant turnout of bipartisan politicians and ministers, including Giorgia Meloni and Matteo Piantedosi, among others. Attendees included prominent figures from various sectors, underscoring a unified stance against violence and intolerance. In the wake of such profound events, the call for diplomacy and dialogue resonates more than ever, as emphasized by leaders who recognize the necessity for understanding and solidarity among all peoples.
