Mural of Oct. 7 Attack Survivor Vandalized in Milan
- The Antisemitism Observatory in Milan reported a rise in antisemitic incidents from about 30 to 80 or 90 per week over the past year.
- The vandalism of the mural, which depicted a survivor of the October 7 Hamas attacks, involved the removal of the figure's head and legs.
- This incident illustrates a troubling trend of increasing antisemitism in Italy, which has become more socially acceptable and requires urgent attention.
In Milan, Italy, a mural depicting a survivor of the October 7 Hamas attacks was vandalized, highlighting a troubling rise in antisemitism in the country. The Antisemitism Observatory reported an increase in incidents from about 30 per week to 80 or 90, marking a significant escalation in antisemitic acts, which now include real-world aggression rather than just online expressions. Researcher Stefano Gatti noted that antisemitism has become more socially acceptable, with local officials failing to condemn such actions clearly. The vandalism of the mural, created by artist AleXsandro Palombo, involved the removal of the figure's head and legs, which the artist condemned as an act that does not support the liberation of Palestine but rather defends extremist beliefs. Gatti expressed concern that the current climate resembles the post-World War II era, indicating a serious societal issue that needs addressing. The artist emphasized the importance of remembering the Hamas massacre to raise awareness about the threats posed by Islamist terrorism and religious fundamentalism.