A French tourist of Jewish faith was beaten in central Rome in what Italian officials described as an antisemitic attack after being targeted for wearing a kippah. The vacationer was first attacked on Friday, July 31, when an individual sprayed him with pepper spray.
The following day, the same attacker returned with three other people and beat the tourist while he was walking in the city center. Initial findings indicate that the victim was singled out because of his Jewish faith.
Government Reaction and Investigation
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani strongly condemned the assault on social media network X, expressing full solidarity with the victim and the Jewish community. Tajani said society cannot accept that antisemitism and hatred toward Jews find a place in Italian cities. He added that people must react together without tolerating such incidents, stating that Italy will always stand for religious freedom, respect, and coexistence.
According to news agency AFP, authorities have identified a first suspect as a 31-year-old homeless Algerian man. Local police have not commented on the matter. French President Emmanuel Macron has also called for vigilance in the face of returning antisemitism.
