Italy’s Terror List: Targeting Jews and Zionists

Italy, a nation that has long prided itself on its democratic principles and historical resolve against fascism, has recently been jolted by the emergence of a disturbing threat to its civil society. Reports have surfaced that an alliance between the New Communist Party and CARC, a revived far-left organization, has circulated a list of individuals they deem Zionists and friends of Israel, in order to defend with their initiative the Palestinian cause (they cite the Arab Palestinian Democratic Union, a pro-pal group based in Italy). This list, chillingly categorized as targets to be neutralized, signals a dangerous escalation in hate and violent rhetoric in the country.

The list reportedly includes prominent Italian figures—politicians, academics, journalists, and activists—who are known for their support of Israel or perceived affiliations with Zionism. The reemergence of such tactics harks back to the darker periods of the 20th century, when political and ideological extremism on both the far right and far left justified the vilification and persecution of Jews and their allies. Its coalescence with Palestinian fundamentalism is a shocking development in a country that once fought bravely against totalitarianism and the scourge of antisemitism.

Italy, like many European countries, has grappled with an unsettling rise in political extremism in recent years. But this latest manifestation, involving a direct call for violence, is particularly alarming. For the past few decades, the specter of antisemitic conspiracies and far-left radicalism had diminished in most of Europe. Yet now, under the guise of anti-Zionism and anti-Israel sentiment, these dangerous ideologies have resurfaced.

The creation and dissemination of such a list must be unequivocally condemned. This is not a matter of political disagreement or protest but an incitement to violence and hatred. It crosses every line of civilized discourse and endangers the lives of those who find themselves targeted. The deliberate framing of supporters of Israel as enemies to be neutralized evokes some of the darkest chapters in Europe’s history. It threatens to unravel the fabric of democratic dialogue and the rule of law that Italy has worked so hard to build.

What is particularly troubling is that this anti-Zionist and anti-Israel rhetoric is often veiled in the language of social justice and anti-imperialism, by both far-left movements and pro-pal groups. But there is a stark difference between criticism of a state’s policies and the demonization of an entire group of people based on their religious, ethnic, or political identity. This dangerous conflation cannot be tolerated. History has shown us time and again that anti-Zionism, when pushed to its extremes, often serves as a vehicle for more insidious forms of antisemitism.

The resurgence of these kinds of extremist ideologies in Italy serves as a reminder that the fight against hate and intolerance is never truly over. Political leaders, civil society, and international bodies must respond swiftly and firmly. Italy’s government should take immediate action to protect those targeted by these threats, and law enforcement agencies must thoroughly investigate the individuals and groups behind the publication of this list.

This resurgence of hate is not confined to Italy alone. Across Europe, a worrying trend of increased polarization and radicalization is taking hold, fueled by misinformation, economic challenges, and the resurgence of old prejudices in new forms. But it is precisely at these moments that societies must stand firm against the forces of hate. Italy, a nation that once bore witness to the horrors of totalitarianism, should not allow itself to be dragged back into the abyss of political violence and ideological extremism.

The publication of this hit list is a reminder that the battle against extremism and anti-Semitism is ongoing. It demands vigilance, solidarity, and a commitment to the values of democracy and human dignity. The dangerous alliance between far-left extremism and Palestinian fundamentalism must be met with the full force of the law and a united front from all sectors of society.

This moment should jolt Italy—and the world—into action. Extremism isn’t history; it’s a recurring threat, wearing different masks but spreading the same poison. Neutralizing hate means more than words—it demands action without fear and without favor. Because if we let this slide, we aren’t just repeating the mistakes of the past; we’re endorsing them.