Jewish Tourist Wearing Kippah Attacked Twice in Rome Amid 'Free Palestine' Chants

A 22-year-old French Jewish tourist wearing a kippah was assaulted twice within two days in central Rome. The first attack occurred on August 7 around 8 p.m. at Piazza Cairoli, where the assailant sprayed pepper spray in the victim's face and shouted "Free Palestine." The following day, August 8, the tourist was attacked again about 300 meters away at Largo Torre Argentina by a group of four people who kicked him. The victim identified one of the attackers as the same man involved in the first incident, with "Free Palestine" chants heard again.

Italian police arrested a 31-year-old homeless Algerian man with a criminal record on suspicion of involvement in both attacks. He faces charges including violent offenses, incitement, and encouragement of crimes motivated by racial, ethnic, and religious discrimination. Authorities are continuing the investigation and searching for three additional suspects. The legal process against the arrested individual is ongoing.

The incidents sparked strong reactions in Italy. Victor Padelon, president of Rome's Jewish community, lamented the resurgence of antisemitic attacks in the city and warned against public indifference. Italian Senate President Ignazio La Russa condemned the attacks, emphasizing that antisemitism must not become normalized. Italy's Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani reaffirmed the country's commitment to religious freedom and opposition to antisemitism and religiously motivated violence. Israeli Ambassador to Italy Jonathan Peled stated that such attacks threaten not only the security of a minority but the freedom of all.

The Rome police continue their investigation into the assaults, highlighting the ongoing concern over antisemitic violence in the city.