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Protests regarding Jewish educator visit in Reggio Emilia

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2026-10-12 09:54 UTC → 2026-10-12 19:52 UTC · added ~~removed~~

A group of approximately 100 Jewish educators and teachers considered whether to proceed with a scheduled training visit to Reggio Emilia, Italy, in mid-October. The educators expressed concerns regarding the potential for security checkpoints or surveillance during the visit, requesting time to ensure the environment allowed for the “serenity required for educational exchange.” Reggio Children clarified that the participants were attending in a personal capacity and that the organization was not engaged in collaborations with Israeli institutions. The organization also highlighted its commitment to a charter titled ‘For a democratic and participatory education,’ which repudiates war and seeks to keep educational facilities free from militarization. By October 10, approximately 300 protesters demonstrated in Reggio Emilia against the delegation of Israeli and American Jewish educators, citing alleged links between the participating schools and the Israel Defense Forces. In response, Reggio Children implemented a charter requiring international guests to commit to human rights and the “repudiation of war and violence, and the condemnation of genocide and discrimination.” While some demonstrators argued these measures were insufficient, the introduction of the charter led some participants from the United States, specifically educators from the Paradigm Project, to postpone their visit. They alleged the request required them to explicitly distance themselves from the policies of the Israeli government. Walker Meghnagi, president of the Milan Jewish Community, accused the municipal administration and Reggio Children of discrimination and antisemitism, comparing the administration’s methods to those of the Third Reich and calling for the resignation of the mayor. Reggio Emilia Mayor Marco Massari has rejected these accusations, stating that the charter applies to all international guests equally and promotes universal principles of peace and child protection.

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