The Italian Senate has approved a bill aimed at strengthening the fight against antisemitism and formally adopting the working definition of antisemitism developed by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance. After a lengthy debate, the measure passed with 105 votes in favour, 24 against and 21 abstentions, marking a significant step in Italy’s efforts to address antisemitic hatred.
Although some lawmakers had hoped for unanimous backing, including Holocaust survivor and senator for life Liliana Segre, the vote revealed divisions within the opposition. The governing majority supported the bill as a bloc, while opposition parties adopted differing positions.
The legislation, composed of five articles, recognises the IHRA working definition of antisemitism and integrates its indicators for the purposes of implementing the law. It also establishes the role of a National Coordinator for the Fight Against Antisemitism, to be appointed within the office of the Prime Minister and tasked with developing and updating a national strategy to counter antisemitism.
In a statement following the vote, the Union of Italian Jewish Communities welcomed the outcome, describing it as “a victory for all components of civil society, not only for the Jewish community”. The organisation noted that the result reflected parliamentary initiatives from both government and opposition forces that ultimately converged on a common framework.
UCEI President Livia Ottolenghi, who was present in the Senate chamber, emphasised that the vote sends a clear message despite the lack of full consensus. According to the organisation, the outcome demonstrates that combating antisemitism remains a shared national priority.
Beyond adopting the IHRA definition, the legislation lays the groundwork for a three-year national strategy against antisemitism. The plan will focus on monitoring antisemitic incidents, improving data collection, strengthening security for Jewish communities and promoting educational initiatives in schools and universities.
The strategy also calls for training programmes for law enforcement, the armed forces and public officials to improve the identification and prosecution of antisemitic crimes. Additional measures aim to counter antisemitic hate speech online and promote awareness of Jewish history and culture.
Importantly, the law does not introduce new criminal penalties. Instead, it focuses on coordination, prevention and institutional cooperation. Government ministries, law-enforcement agencies, educational institutions and Jewish organisations will be involved in implementing the strategy.
Following Senate approval, the bill now moves to the Chamber of Deputies for final consideration. If adopted, it will formally embed the IHRA working definition into Italian law and strengthen national mechanisms designed to monitor and combat antisemitism.
The vote comes at a time of growing concern across Europe about rising antisemitic incidents, placing Italy among the countries seeking to reinforce institutional responses to antisemitic hatred and discrimination.
