Livia Ottolenghi has been elected as the new president of the Unione delle Comunità Ebraiche Italiane (UCEI). The vote took place during a meeting of the UCEI Council in Rome, where Ottolenghi secured 42 votes in favour, with four blank ballots. She succeeds Noemi Di Segni, who led the organisation for nine and a half years.
A professor of dentistry at Università La Sapienza di Roma, Ottolenghi previously served as the UCEI’s assessor for educational policies.
In her first statement as president, she outlined the guiding principles of her mandate: “openness, identity, cultural growth. On these foundations, a new season must be built, in dynamic balance.” She also pledged that the UCEI executive board will represent all sensitivities within the community, with clear delegations and transparent communication, ensuring a united approach to upcoming challenges.
During her tenure as assessor, Ottolenghi spearheaded several initiatives to strengthen Jewish education and cultural exchange. She promoted the “Sixteen Sheets to Learn About Judaism” project in collaboration with the Conferenza Episcopale Italiana, aimed at accurate knowledge and teaching of Judaism in schools. She also facilitated cooperation between UCEI and Hevrat Yehudei Italia, supporting projects in Israel for teachers and students of the Italian Rabbinical College, and worked to enhance ties with the National Library of Israel.
Emphasising continuity and dialogue, Ottolenghi stated, “The Union must be the common home of all communities, founded on listening and pluralism; an authoritative voice in Italian society; and a bridge to Israel and the global Jewish world.” She also expressed deep gratitude and responsibility in accepting the role, sharing an emotional moment with her father, Enzo, who was present at the vote.
