The new president of the Union of Italian Jewish Communities (UCEI), Livia Ottolenghi, gave an interview to the newspaper Shalom about the priorities of her mandate and how she plans to develop them.
What are the priorities of your term? How will you translate openness, identity, and cultural growth into concrete policies?
The priorities of my term are threefold: to build truly shared governance, to strengthen Jewish identity in an inclusive way, and to promote structured and measurable cultural growth.
This does not start from scratch. Over the years, the Union has built a solid foundation of experience, projects, and expertise, thanks also to a staff of highly skilled professionals, who are a valuable and strategic resource. My commitment is to enhance this human and institutional capital, strengthen it, and provide it with even more effective tools to operate.
We are beginning with an executive team representative of all perspectives within the Council, with clear and strong delegations, permanent thematic working groups involving communities, experts, and young people. This means rebuilding trust between central and local communities, activating regular consultation mechanisms, and ensuring transparency through monitoring and public reporting. This is an evolution of work already underway, not a break.
We intend to highlight Italian Jewish tradition—which has historically combined study, pluralism, and dialogue—promoting synergy between religious, cultural, and civic dimensions. Here too, we build on important foundations: schools, cultural centres, the Rabbinical College, educational and memory projects that have borne significant fruit and deserve continuity and further development. Identity is not closure, but awareness.
Finally, cultural growth means connecting schools, the Rabbinical College, universities, and cultural centres; strengthening and promoting youth leadership and innovation pathways. Each area will have multi-year objectives and measurable indicators, with the understanding that good policy is also measured by its ability to consolidate and improve what already works.
What role should Italian Judaism play today in the national public debate?
Italian Judaism is already an authoritative interlocutor and must continue to grow in this role, becoming ever more recognisable and constructive in national public debate. This has been made possible also thanks to the work of previous leaderships and skilled professionals who have built solid and credible institutional relationships.
Its millennia-old history, cultural synthesis, and deep roots in the country allow Italian Judaism to offer a distinctive contribution on public ethics, education, memory, religious freedom, and pluralism. This is not about claiming space for identity reasons, but about taking civic responsibility: strengthening dialogue with institutions, the media, and civil society; combating antisemitism with solid cultural tools; and contributing to a democratic culture based on respect and knowledge. Continuity with previous work is a strength, not a limitation.
What lessons from the academic world and your educational work will you bring to your leadership?
From the academic world I bring method: rigour, attention to sources, engagement with differing positions, and evaluation of results. From my experience with young people and in education, I bring the understanding that a community’s future is built by investing in people before structures.
I have learned that leadership cannot be improvised: it must be developed. One of my pillars will therefore be creating structured training and responsibility pathways, in collaboration with schools and youth organisations, so that a new generation of prepared and aware community leaders emerges.
How can the Union strengthen Jewish identity and the relationship between the Diaspora and Israel?
The Union can strengthen Jewish identity by investing in quality education, continuous training, culture, and participation. A strong identity stems from knowledge: of one’s tradition, of Italian Jewish history, and of the connection with Israel. The relationship between the Diaspora and Israel must be based on awareness, dialogue, and mutual responsibility.
We also have a particularly special bond with Agudat Yehudei Italia, with whom we collaborate on educational programmes, cultural exchanges, and study pathways. Moreover, we will continue to create opportunities for training and discussion for teachers and young people, helping to understand the complexity of Israeli reality, reinforcing a connection that is not only emotional but also cultural and civic.
How do you represent differing perspectives and respond to the diverse needs of communities?
Plurality is not an obstacle, it is an asset. Representing different perspectives means adopting an inclusive approach that prioritises listening, respect, and the capacity for decision-making.
Needs vary—from welfare to religious practice, to educational policies—and require differentiated but coordinated responses. The Union must provide guidelines, technical support, and common tools, while leaving communities the autonomy to apply them locally. This is the essence of a new communal pact: unity in values, flexibility in tools.
The antisemitism bill approved by the Senate fully adopts the IHRA working definition. Are you satisfied?
Combating antisemitism is a strategic priority. An effective law must provide clear and updated tools to recognise and counter anti-Jewish hatred, including contemporary forms, such as those expressed through delegitimising the State of Israel. We welcome the Senate’s approval of the bill and adoption of the IHRA working definition, which represents a victory for all elements of civil society, not only the Jewish community.
Antisemitism is not a concern solely for Jews: it is a structural poison in our society, a direct threat to democratic principles and civil coexistence. The Senate’s consensus—though not as broad as hoped—sends a strong and unequivocal signal: combating anti-Jewish hatred is a shared national priority.
How do you respond to those concerned about limits on freedom of expression?
Freedom of expression is a fundamental value of European democracies and of Judaism itself, which has debate and discussion as a core feature. Combating antisemitism does not mean limiting the right to critique—even severely—the policies of any government, including Israel.
It does, however, mean drawing a clear line when criticism turns into demonisation, double standards, or denial of the right to exist. A well-drafted law must protect both dimensions: freedom of speech and the dignity of individuals and communities. Balancing these principles is possible, and it is the responsibility of institutions to ensure it clearly and proportionately.
