Edward Marchesi In the heart of Milan , specifically in the Bande Nere neighborhood , a sixty-year-old rabbi was violently attacked while waiting for a bus. Witnesses described an unprecedented incident, which the president of the Jewish community described as "nothing so violent has ever happened." The man was immediately kicked and punched, his hat removed, trampled on, and even spat on, before managing to escape and alert the police.
Details of the attack on Bande Nere
According to the reconstruction provided by President Walker Meghnagi, the attackers were three men of Arab origin. After the brutal attack, the rabbi took a photo of the three suspects as they walked away, thus facilitating their quick identification. "They kicked and punched him, took off his hat, stomped on him, and spat on him," Meghnagi stated, emphasizing the brutality of the event and the need for a firm response from society.
Police investigation and identification of those responsible
Authorities immediately launched an investigation based on the rabbi's complaint and the photographs obtained. The police were able to track down the three suspects, who were taken to the police station for further investigation. The rabbi 's promptness in documenting the attack helped speed up the investigation, demonstrating how even small gestures can make a difference in violent crime situations.
Cross-party reactions
The news triggered a wave of condemnation from all sides. Matteo Salvini, leader of the League and Minister of Transport, called the attack "unacceptable" and noted that "for months we have been denouncing a climate of growing anti-Semitism; we cannot help ourselves from all this." Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli also expressed his utmost solidarity, stating that the "resurgence of anti-Semitic violence demands a united institutional and political response."
Forza Italia's Maurizio Gasparri called for fighting anti-Semitism with "courage and determination." Democratic Party representatives Emanuele Fiano and Pietro Bussolati urged Parliament to continue working on the Anti-Semitism Bill. The Democratic Party group leader in the Lombardy Region, Pierfrancesco Majorino, expressed "full solidarity with the attacked rabbi." Benedetto Della Vedova of Più Europa also joined the chorus of condemnation.
Azione's deputy secretary, Ettore Rosato, reiterated that "no one should fear being recognized as a Jew on the streets of our cities" and that "anti-Semitism must be called by its name and opposed unambiguously." Finally, Riccardo De Corato of Fratelli d'Italia, vice president of the Constitutional Affairs Committee, expressed his hope that "those responsible will be tracked down and punished as soon as possible."