Attack on Jewish Tourists in Italy Sparks Hate Crime Investigation

In a troubling development in Italy, prosecutors are investigating a possible hate crime targeting a Jewish man and his young son at a highway rest area north of Milan. The attack reportedly occurred after the two, identified as French tourists, were spotted wearing kippahs.

The distressing incident unfolded as the father, who was heading back to Paris after visiting Milan, was accosted with chants of 'Free Palestine' by a rest area cashier and other customers. The verbal assault quickly turned physical, with the man being kicked and pummeled while his assailants attempted to snatch his phone.

Milan city councilor Daniele Nahum condemned this alarming incident during a council meeting, highlighting a worrying rise in antisemitic acts. According to the Antisemitism Observatory, such incidents doubled in Italy last year, marking a concerning trend for the Jewish community.

(With inputs from agencies.)