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Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) Executive Director of European Affairs Shannon Seban has expressed “unwavering solidarity” with the mayor of a northern Italian town who recently received a letterĀ laced with antisemitic threats.
In recent years, dozens of Israeli expat families have moved to Varallo, located at the foot of the Alps in Italy’s Piedmont region, a trend welcomed by Mayor Pietro Bondetti as a driver of economic redevelopment in the town.
However, last Friday, Mayor Bondetti received an envelope from organization calling itself the “Anti-Zionist Movement” containing a bullet along with a letter headlined “F**k Israel.”
The 16-line letter accused Mayor Bondetti and other local officials of enabling the “settlement of Nazi-Zionists.”
“We will not tolerate the transfer of additional families,” it said. “This is the only warning before we start shooting.”
Mayor Bondetti filed a complaint with police, and an investigation has been opened. “This is a very serious and unexpected act,” Mayor Bondetti was quoted by Italian media as saying.
Seban sent a message of support to Bondetti this week, calling the letter a “chilling act of hatred.”
“It is not only an attack against those directly targeted, but also against the principles of democracy, the rule of law, and peaceful coexistence,” she said.
“No one should ever be threatened because of their nationality, identity, or beliefs, and no elected official should face intimidation for upholding equality, human dignity, and the values that unite our democracies,” Seban added.
“At a time when antisemitism is reaching alarming levels across Europe, your stance sends a clear message — hatred will never decide who belongs in our communities, nor will it silence those who defend freedom and pluralism,” she emphasized.
