Rioters in Bologna vandalized the local synagogue with graffiti reading “Justice for Gaza,” as well as other slogans, and caused damage to the property, including removing doors from their frames and other light structural damage.
The vandalism was denounced by Bologna Mayor Matteo Lepore, who expressed solidarity with the Jewish community and stated that vandalism occurred across the city.
Israeli Ambassador to Italy Jonathan Peled posted on X/Twitter that this was a serious antisemitic attack that must be condemned.
The Saturday night riot was originally anti-police and anti-authority, given its denouncement of the death of an Egyptian dual citizen, but spread towards wider vandalism across the city.
This was part of the larger and more violent concurrent riots in Rome, which were triggered by the same anti-police sentiments.
During these Rome protests, at least eight police officers were injured. There have been no reports of vandalism at any synagogues in Rome.
Statements from Italian politicians
President of the Senate Ignazio La Russa expressed firm and total condemnation of both riots, highlighting the attack on Bologna’s synagogue, stating there is “no justification and no tolerance.”
Tra bombe carta, fumogeni e aggressioni, ieri sera a Roma abbiamo assistito all'ennesimo, ignobile episodio di disordine e caos ad opera dei soliti facinorosi scesi in piazza non per manifestare per una causa, bensì per puro spirito vendicativo. Non si può utilizzare una tragedia… pic.twitter.com/HHcKD5I8Fq
— Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) January 12, 2025
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also condemned the violence in Rome but did not refer to Bologna or the vandalism of the synagogue in her statements.
Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto called for new legislation to safeguard law enforcement officers and reportedly condemned the “brutality” of the protesters, including in Bologna.
Bologna is located within Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, which is historically a stronghold of the Left, having elected a Communist or Social Democrat as region president every time since 1970.