Rome: Jewish tourist attacked twice for wearing kippah

A 22-year-old French Jewish tourist was targeted in two separate attacks in central Rome while wearing a kippah. The incidents occurred on August 7 in Piazza Cairoli, where the victim was struck in the face with an irritating spray, and on August 8 in Largo di Torre Argentina, where a group of four people, including a 31-year-old Algerian national, allegedly kicked the victim. The attackers reportedly shouted the slogan “Free Palestine” during the assaults.

Italian authorities have denounced the 31-year-old suspect, a homeless individual with a criminal record, for assault and incitement to commit crimes based on racial, ethnic, and religious discrimination. Investigations are ongoing to identify the other members of the group.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani condemned the antisemitic aggression, stating that Italy stands on the side of religious freedom and coexistence. Victor Fadlun, President of the Rome Jewish Community, described the event as a “hunt for the Jew,” while Livia Ottolenghi, president of UCEI, characterized the incident as a grave demonstration of spreading antisemitism.