Mural of Oct. 7 Survivor Vandalized in Milan

A mural depicting a survivor of the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks in Israel was vandalized in Milan, heightening concerns over rising antisemitism in Italy. The Antisemitism Observatory in Milan reported a notable increase in incidents, soaring to as many as 90 per week in the last year. Researcher Stefano Gatti described the escalation as "overpowering," emphasizing a shift from online expressions to real-world hostility. Acts include graffiti and intimidation, yet so far have not led to physical harm.

Gatti recounted a rabbi being followed in Genoa and diners encountering antisemitic remarks in a restaurant. He stressed the severity, stating, "We have not seen a situation like this since 1945," referencing the Holocaust. The artist responsible for the mural, AleXsandro Palombo, criticized the vandalism, arguing extremists aim to defend terrorist ideologies. Palombo's work, titled "October 7th, Escape," featured Vlada Patapov fleeing the Hamas attacks but was defaced, erasing the figure's head and legs. Palombo condemned the act, stating it does not aid Palestinian liberation but rather perpetuates radical ideologies. He urged that images of the Hamas massacre should remain a public reminder to combat Islamist terrorism and religious extremism. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)