Milan Jewish Leader Expresses Concern Over Rising Anti-Israel Sentiment
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Raphael Touriel, president of Mizrachi in Milan, reported a worrying atmosphere in the city due to protests spreading from France, noting a significant shift in the European mood since October 7. While distinguishing some protests from purely anti-Israel demonstrations, he highlighted growing hostility towards Israel and Jewish communities, evidenced by boycotts and a general sense of unease. Touriel stated that security around Jewish institutions remains consistent, but expressed concern about the increasing trend of anti-Israel sentiment impacting daily life.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Milan's Jewish community president noted a worrying atmosphere due to protests spreading from France.
- He stated the general mood in Europe has significantly changed since October 7.
- Touriel distinguished some Milan protests from explicit anti-Israel demonstrations.
- He observed growing hostility towards Israel and Jewish communities across Europe.
- Security around Jewish institutions in Milan has long been in place and remains consistent.
Raphael Touriel, president of the Mizrachi movement in Milan, described a worrying atmosphere in the city amidst protests that have spread from France. While the Jewish community continues its daily life without a significant increase in threats, Touriel stated that the general mood in Europe has changed considerably since October 7.
He noted that similar concerns exist across Europe, citing an incident in Prague where pro-Palestinian demonstrators were present in the Jewish quarter. Touriel observed that while the recent unrest in Milan shares similarities with events in France, the participants appear younger. He also distinguished between these riots and explicit anti-Israel demonstrations, suggesting some Italian protests stem from local issues concerning government and education, not solely animosity towards Israel.
However, Touriel pointed out that even protests with local origins often show unreserved support for the Palestinian cause. He attributed the escalating hostility towards Israel partly to media and political actors who portray Israel as committing genocide while downplaying the October 7 terror attack. This animosity, he warned, extends to Jewish communities, manifesting in boycotts of Israeli products, tourism, and academic collaborations.
Despite more serious incidents, such as an attack on a rabbi in Milan, Touriel emphasized that security measures around Jewish institutions, including synagogues and the Jewish school, have long been in place and have not dramatically changed recently. He acknowledged a constant awareness of potential confrontations and the shifting public atmosphere, noting that Jews might feel compelled to conceal their religious symbols to avoid conflict.
Touriel expressed concern about the growing trend, stating, "The feeling is that something is rising more and more, in the newspapers, in politics, in the streets." For him, the issue transcends isolated violent incidents, impacting the freedom of Jews to openly express their identity.
