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Elisa Garfagna

Antisemitism in Milan

(La7.it, screenshot)
(La7.it, screenshot)

Milan, once again, finds itself confronting hatred. The murals created by contemporary artist aleXsandro Palombo, dedicated to the memory of the Holocaust and its last Italian witnesses, have been defaced with a clear antisemitic intent. The Stars of David, symbols of Jewish culture and Holocaust remembrance, have been systematically removed or vandalized—a gesture that is not merely an act of vandalism but an alarming sign of growing intolerance.

In the mural titled “Arbeit macht frei”, depicting Hungarian writer Edith Bruck wrapped in the Israeli flag, the large blue Star of David has been erased. In the second piece, “Halt! Stoj!”, which portrays Pope Francis, Edith Bruck, Liliana Segre, and Sami Modiano in pop-art style, all the yellow Stars of David have been defaced, while the phrase “Antisemitism is everywhere”, displayed on a sign worn by the Pope, remains untouched. A visual and symbolic paradox that shouts a bitter truth: antisemitism is not a relic of the past but a poison that continues to seep into the present.

These acts of vandalism are not mere expressions of ignorance or aimless rebellion. On the contrary, they are part of a broader phenomenon—the resurgence of prejudice and extremism, which today find fertile ground in an era of misinformation and social polarization. Antisemitism has never been just a remnant of the past; it is a symptom of cultural and identity crises. Every time a society faces difficulties—whether economic, political, or social—the scapegoat mechanism resurfaces.

Historian Pierre-André Taguieff defines antisemitism as a chameleon-like phenomenon: it changes form and adapts to different eras, yet its essence remains the same. Once rooted in religious stereotypes, it later evolved into racial hatred, and today, it intertwines with new forms of denialism and digital conspiracy theories. The memory of the Holocaust, once a cornerstone of democratic consciousness, is increasingly challenged by revisionism and an indifference that risks becoming complicity.

“Repeatedly attacking works of art dedicated to Memory and depicting Auschwitz survivors,” said aleXsandro Palombo, “not only causes infinite sorrow but highlights how the very value of democracy and all our freedoms is in danger.” And it is precisely indifference, forcefully denounced by Senator for Life Liliana Segre, that is the true enemy to fight—because it is indifference that allows the poison of hatred to spread silently, without resistance.

On the occasion of Holocaust Remembrance Day, President Sergio Mattarella reiterated a warning that now sounds more urgent than ever: “Never again Auschwitz.” But for that “never again” to be more than just a slogan, collective commitment is needed. Education, culture, and shared memory are the tools to break the cycle of hatred. If the past teaches us anything, it is that antisemitism cannot be fought only with condemnation but by building a society where differences are not seen as threats but as values.

The defacement of the Stars of David in Milan is not just a news report—it is a warning sign for democracy and the future of civil coexistence. The question is not only “Who committed this act?” but “What kind of society still allows this to happen?” And, above all, “What can we do to stop it?”

About the Author
Elisa Garfagna is a voice actress, podcaster, journalist, and communication expert. She shares news about Israel and Judaism on social media, and in Italy, she is fairly well-known for this. She is the mother of two wonderful children. She has always loved Israel and believes that, now more than ever, voices are needed to convey the beauty of the country.
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