A new survey by the Union of Young Jews in Italy (UGEI) confirms deepening concerns among young Jews, reflecting similar findings from November 2023. Six months after the first report, published a month following the October 7 tragedy, the troubling trend persists. The survey, conducted among a broad sample of young Jews aged 18 to 35, including students and professionals residing in Italy, shows that 83% in November and 82% in May believe antisemitism is on the rise.
These results highlight the inadequacy of current measures to combat antisemitism, underscoring the need for more pragmatic and effective regulations. The survey reveals significant dissatisfaction with the Italian institutions’ response to antisemitic incidents, with 39% of respondents finding it insufficient and 33% deeming it poor. Similarly, responses from social networks, direct witnesses, and particularly universities (with 70% rating them as insufficient) are viewed as largely inadequate.
The report also indicates that many young Jews are adjusting their daily habits to feel safer. While 60% reported such changes in November, this figure rose to 63% in May, reflecting a pervasive hostile atmosphere that could lead to potentially dangerous situations. This concern is well-founded, as half of the young Jews surveyed in both studies reported experiencing or witnessing antisemitic incidents in the past month.
The situation in Italian universities is particularly alarming, receiving specific focus in the May 2024 survey. Universities have become hotspots for a growing climate of hate and intolerance, with 71% of Jewish students feeling unsafe expressing their Jewish identity and 86% fearing to voice opinions about Israel. Moreover, over two-thirds of participants have witnessed or been victims of antisemitic behaviour from peers, and 35% reported similar behaviour from faculty members.
Luca Spizzichino, President of UGEI, commented, “The emerging picture is one of increasing anxiety among young Italian Jews, who feel judged and discriminated against because of their identity. We call for immediate and concrete action from all sectors of society to combat antisemitism in all its forms.”
He added, “We cannot allow hatred and discrimination to become the norm. It is essential to ensure the safety and freedom of expression for all citizens, regardless of their faith. UGEI will continue to fight for young Jews to express their identity freely.”
