One case in point is Italy. Recent pro-Palestinian demonstrations
in large cities like Rome and Milan have led authorities to fear what may
happen this October 7th, particularly in Jewish communities. As a result,
vigilance is at an all-time high in those cities, as well as in Venice, the
site of Italy’s oldest Jewish community. Just days ago in Milan, pro-Palestinian
protesters were seen with signs accusing a female senator and the country’s defense
minister of being “Zionist agents”, which authorities are interpreting as an
open suggestion to assassinate them.
On a personal note, I lived in Italy from 1982-1987. The
Italian people are not anti-Semitic, but as with other Western European
countries, the country is teeming with migrants from places in the Middle East
and Africa who do not share their tolerance. Coupled with extremist elements
within Italian society, particularly on the left, as well as Israel's recent military successes, including the elimination of Hassan Nasrallah, there is ample reason for
concern.
In my view, October 7th represents a test for all of us in
the West. Hopefully, Italy’s European neighbors will follow their lead and do
everything to ensure the safety of their Jewish citizens. If the threat is that
great in Italy, imagine what it is in France, Sweden, and Germany just to name
a few. If God forbid, something horrible takes place October 7th by the forces
of evil to “commemorate” the date, and we did not take all possible
precautions, the shame will lie with us.
Here in America, most people are sick and tired of all the
pro-Palestinian, pro-Hamas outrages occurring on our streets and campuses. A
few universities are starting to get the message. The idea that anyone would
abuse our freedom of expression to celebrate that dark day is beyond
disgusting. Our government and our people should make it loud and clear that we
will not tolerate any attacks against our Jewish citizens on October 7th-or any
other day. But make no mistake: We all need to be vigilant this coming October
7th.
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