Milan authorities Investigate Antisemitic Vandalism and Rising concerns of Hate Crimes
Milan, Italy – Authorities are investigating a disturbing act of antisemitism in the San Siro district of Milan, where a condominium door was defaced with the phrase “Jews Bastards,” reportedly written with a marker. The incident, reported on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, has sparked alarm within the Jewish community and prompted a wider examination into potential hate crimes, including a recent altercation at a local Autogrill.
The alarm was raised at approximately 9:00 AM when police patrols responded to the scene and accompanied the affected mother and daughters to police headquarters to file a formal report. Investigators are currently reviewing video surveillance footage from the area in an attempt to identify the perpetrator, with a strong suspicion that the individual may be known to the victims. “The fact that the perpetrator knew which door to target suggests a personal connection,” explained a legal representative for the family, Stefano Benvenuto. “We consider this act very serious, a gesture that takes us back 70 years.”
The incident comes on the heels of a separate confrontation at the Autogrill of Lainate, located in the Villoresi parking area. The dispute reportedly escalated between a group of Palestinian travelers and a father with his six-year-old son, both of whom are Jewish and of French nationality.This incident, coupled with the vandalism in San Siro, has fueled concerns about a growing trend of antisemitism.
Leaders within the Jewish community are expressing increasing worry over what they describe as a dangerous escalation. A spokesperson for the community noted a shift from overt aggression in public spaces to direct threats targeting private residences, disrupting the daily lives of Jewish citizens.Davide Romano, director of the Museum of the jewish Brigade of Milan, emphasized the gravity of the situation. “There is a disturbing leap: we pass from aggression in a public place to a threat in a private place,where the tranquility of daily life is disrupted,” Romano stated. “Unfortunatly, I see the danger of a habit of these antisemitic acts.Racism and antisemitism, like homotransphobia, have no justification.”
The investigation is being led by the Digos, Italy’s anti-terrorism and special operations division, focusing on identifying potential connections between the two incidents and uncovering any broader network of individuals involved. Authorities are treating both cases with the utmost seriousness, recognizing the potential for further escalation and the need to protect vulnerable communities.
