Peloni: The encouraged influx of unvetted Arabs coinciding with rising waves of antisemitic demonstrations and terror throughout the Western world over the past decade has placed a growing onus on Western nations to provide for the security needs of there relative Jewish communities. Hence, it is very encouraging to read of such efforts as in Italy to secure and support their Jewish citizens at least with such security parameters as described by Rabbi Aiello which surround Italy’s synagogues. In an age where pogroms have been incited over a recent football match in Amsterdam, the threat of violence against Jews has become all too palpable and all too acceptable amid the rising Arab demographic, making the effort of Italy to deal with their rising antisemitic attacks all the more vital.
Rabbi Barbara Aiello | TOI Blogs
It was nearly a year and a half ago following the October 7 massacre, that Italy stepped up to the challenge and offered direct physical protection to its synagogues.
In fact The European Conservative (10/9/23) reported that following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war, several European countries have augmented police protection to Jewish communities and that Spain and Italy have now implemented a 24 hour armed police presence near their countries’ synagogues. Our synagogue, Ner Tamid del Sud, located in Calabria in Italy’s deep south is part of this program.
In other words, we Jews are fighting back.
Just like our ancestors who, in the face of annihilation, were given the go-ahead to defend themselves, thanks to the presence of the Italian army, our little community of anusim Jews is doing the same.
No, unlike the Shushan Jews, we haven’t brandished swords or strapped on shields. Instead we have welcomed the presence of fully armed soldiers who stand guard in six hour shifts, all day and all night in front of our synagogue gate.
The many months that these dedicated men and women have protected our synagogue have allowed members and friends to attend services and events while breathing a collective sigh of relief. Hardly a sign of intimidation, the military presence creates a calming and reassuring presence, expressed well by Natalina who appreciates seeing the soldiers. “I soldati portano la tranquilita`” (The soldiers bring tranquility.”)
Antisemitic incidents are on the rise throughout Europe and unfortunately Italy is no exception. Although our little village, Serrastretta, has been a haven of acceptance and support, the regiment commander drove home an important point when he said, “Rabbi, you have a strong internet presence which makes you quite easy to find.”
I was convinced – even more so following the recent publication of a national report documenting that in Italy antisemitic activity had increased from 455 incidents in 2023 to 877 last year. It was comforting to know that those appalling statistics were taken seriously by the Italian government.
In early March of this year Italian officials unveiled a new strategy for fighting antisemitism. According to a report published by JNS and highlighted on the Moked Italian Jewish news site, Italy’s new five-year program designed to combat antisemitism emphasizes increased surveillance as well as visible strategies for the protection of Italy’s Jews.
For us Jews living in the “toe” of the Italian “boot,” we are grateful to be the direct recipient of these heightened security measures that include the physical presence of armed soldiers standing guard. That’s why celebrating Shushan Purim this year has been so significant for our community.
The mitzvah of Purim that requires us to provide a gift of food to friends took on special meaning. As we offered homemade hamentaschen to our friends in uniform, we felt an ancient connection that, strengthened by Esther’s courage, we Jews fought back and won. Protected by Italy’s finest, we Jews in south Italy are doing the same.
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