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Vandals carved a swastika into the doors of the Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael–Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) offices in Rome, Italy, on Friday.
The attack, which struck a legacy Zionist institution, drew sharp condemnation. Moreover, Jewish leaders stressed that antisemitic vandalism is escalating across Europe and beyond.
Responding to the incident, KKL-JNF World Chairwoman Ifat Ovadia-Luski demanded a full investigation.
“The carving of a swastika on the KKL-JNF offices in Rome is a painful reminder that Jew-hatred continues to raise its head in Europe and beyond,” Ovadia-Luski said. “This cowardly act is meant to intimidate and erode the sense of security of Jews wherever they may be. KKL-JNF will continue to work tirelessly for the Jewish people, for Zionism, and for strengthening the bond with Jewish communities everywhere, with the deep conviction that precisely in the face of this darkness — we must persist in fighting and bringing more light.”
Harassment of Jews in Milan
Meanwhile, the Rome vandalism came just weeks after another antisemitic incident in northern Italy. At a highway rest stop near Milan, several people harassed a Jewish father and son while they waited for the restroom.
Both wore kippot, which made them visibly identifiable as Jews. As a result, the aggressors shouted, “Murderers,” “Go to hell,” “Go back to your country,” and “Free Palestine.”
In response, a relative of the victims voiced his alarm. He explained, “My father-in-law lives in France and nothing like this has ever happened to him there,” he told Corriere della Sera.
The man added, “Here in Italy, people have no issue with assaulting a father in front of a child. That’s where our beautiful country is heading. Unfortunately, we Jews must live in fear.”
Antisemitic Vandalism Spreads Worldwide
Importantly, the swastika carved in Rome forms part of a disturbing global trend. In fact, recent weeks have seen Jewish institutions, businesses, and neighborhoods repeatedly attacked.
In Paris, vandals defaced the El Al offices. Antisemitic graffiti scarred the Israeli Embassy in The Hague. Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, California, the headquarters of the Israeli-American Council (IAC) was also marked with hate slogans. In Bournemouth, England, swastikas were painted on buildings and homes, including the residence of the local rabbi. Across Europe and North America, swastikas and threatening messages have appeared on cars and in Jewish neighborhoods.
These attacks aim not only to damage property but also to instill fear and isolate Jews in their own communities.
Consequently, Jewish leaders continue to press governments worldwide to respond with urgency. In addition, they argue that consistent enforcement and accountability remain essential to ensure that antisemitic hatred does not go unchallenged.
Take Action
CAM has launched Report It — a secure app to report antisemitic incidents anonymously and in real time. Don’t stay silent — download it today on the Apple Store or Google Play. See it. Report it. Stop it. Together, we can fight this hate.
