Elderly Rabbi Attacked and Threatened in Rome's Historic Jewish Quarter

An elderly rabbi was assaulted and threatened on Wednesday evening in Rome's historic Jewish Quarter. The attacker, who spoke fluent Italian, directed remarks related to Islam and religion at the rabbi and pushed him after being asked to step back. The incident was halted when a nearby restaurant waiter intervened, warning the assailant that the police would be called, prompting him to leave the area. The rabbi chose not to file an official police complaint following the attack. This event adds to a series of antisemitic incidents in Rome, including the assault of a 22-year-old Jewish tourist who was pepper-sprayed and attacked for wearing a kippah near the same neighborhood. These attacks have raised significant concern among the city's Jewish community leadership.