A recent national poll has revealed that 15% of Italians view physical attacks against Jews as either entirely or reasonably justifiable, underscoring growing concern about antisemitic sentiment in the country amid rising tensions over the Israel-Hamas war, reports The Jerusalem Post.
The survey, conducted by polling agency SWG between September 24 and 26, among 800 adults, also found that 18% considered antisemitic graffiti in public spaces to be legitimate. In addition, around 20% of respondents supported either attacks on pro-Israel academics or the refusal of services to Israeli customers, reflecting a disturbing normalisation of hostility towards Jews in certain segments of the population.
While a clear majority of 85% said such attacks were “not very” or “not at all justifiable,” the presence of such a significant minority expressing the opposite view has sparked concern among Jewish communities and human rights observers.
The findings come as Italy witnesses widespread protests against Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Last week, demonstrators clashed with police in cities including Milan, and dockworkers blocked ports in protest, claiming they aimed to prevent Italian facilities from facilitating arms shipments to Israel. However, the poll noted that most Italians disapproved of both the port blockades and violent clashes with law enforcement.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has remained a firm supporter of Israel and has resisted domestic and international calls to recognise Palestinian statehood. Unlike other G7 nations such as Britain, Canada, and France, Italy has declined to back Palestinian statehood, citing the need for all Israeli hostages to be freed and for Hamas to be excluded from any future Palestinian government.
During his speech to the United Nations General Assembly in New York last week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned countries that had moved to recognise Palestinian statehood. He warned they were sending a dangerous message that “murdering Jews pays off,” in reference to the Hamas-led massacre on October 7, 2023.
Italy’s legacy of antisemitism, particularly the 1938 racial laws introduced under fascism, continues to cast a shadow. The country has strict laws against hate crimes and racial discrimination, but the SWG findings suggest that antisemitic attitudes persist beneath the surface.
In response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, a majority of Italians said they supported an international aid flotilla, which includes Italian politicians and activists seeking to deliver supplies to the embattled region.
Photo credit: REUTERS/MATTEO MINNELLA
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