Livia Ottolenghi, the new president of the Union of Italian Jewish Communities (Ucei), has expressed grave concerns about the living conditions of Jews in Italy. In a press conference, she pointed out that while they manage to live well thanks to police presence, the reality is alarming. She described the pervasive need for security measures such as schools being guarded, students requiring escorts to leave, and the considerable hindrances faced by Jews in openly expressing their identity and practicing their religion. Furthermore, community leaders often require protection while carrying out their duties, indicating a stark lack of safety.

During the press briefing, Ottolenghi highlighted the legislative progress against antisemitism, mentioning the approval of a new anti-antisemitism bill as a significant step towards ensuring the safety and rights of the Jewish people in Italy. However, she insists that these measures must translate into real consequences for perpetrators of hate crimes and discrimination, urging for a stronger implementation of the laws to protect the community. The urgency of the situation stresses the necessity of integrating better security measures within society to foster a more inclusive environment.

The discussion led by Ottolenghi sheds light on the broader implications of living under fear and the cycle of discrimination that the Jewish population currently encounters. Her candid remarks highlight an urgent call for public awareness and dialogue on antisemitism, emphasizing that while legislative steps are important, social attitudes and community safety must also evolve to address the complexities of Jewish life in Italy today.