Italy‘s top Jewish council creates anti-Semitism hotline

Renzo Gattegna, President of the Italian Jewish Communities, announces foundation of ‘Anti-Semitism Antenna,’ aimed at helping both Italian victims and witnesses of anti-Semitic incidents.

Italy’s highest-ranking Jewish official announced Monday the creation of a hotline aimed at reporting anti-Semitic attacks in real time.

The “Anti-Semitism Antenna” is aimed at both Italian victims and witnesses of anti-Semitic incidents, said Renzo Gattegna, President of the Union of Italian Jewish Communities.

“The goal of the initiative is to nullify any threat of hatred and discrimination. It is a concrete effort for the benefit of the entire community especially now that old biases are back even in the most advanced and democratic societies,” Gattegna said in a statement.

Callers will be able to report any anti-Semitic incident by calling the number or filling out a form online. Each warning will be verified, conserved and used to analyze anti-Semitic hostilities. The hotline can be reached at 0233103840.

The hotline will be promoted by the UCEI (Union of Italian Jewish Communities), together with the CDEC (the Foundation of Jewish Contemporary Documentation of Milan).

Anti-Semitic chants and threats were reported across Italy over the course of this summer’s protests against Israel’s military operation in Gaza.

Italy’s foreign minister Federica Mogherini issued a joint statement with Germany and France’s foreign ministers condemning all forms of violence in August.