Translator Olga Dalia Padua who was asked to simultaneously translate Prime Minister Netanyahu’s speech scheduled to be held at the synagogue in Rome this weekend – and refused.
In the letter, which she published on her Facebook page, she wrote: “Not only do I not share Netanyahu’s political views, but his leadership is extremely dangerous in my view when it comes to democracy in Israel. What’s more: if I agree to cooperate in translating his words, my children will not forgive me.”
“I tried to convince them that it was only a matter of work, and that if I refused, my gesture would change almost nothing – but they were not ready to accept any explanation. They amazed me: they usually seem to have little hope for the future of the human race in a troubled and turbulent time like this, and they I’m always encouraged to take on new jobs; but in this case they were determined: we don’t cooperate with those who promote fascist principles and oppress freedom, we just don’t do it. I decided to listen to them,” Padua claimed.
The Prime Minister is scheduled to take off tomorrow (Thursday) at noon for Rome and then toVisit the Jewish Museum of Rome and meet the Jewish community in the city’s Spanish synagogue.
On Friday he will hold a working meeting over lunch with Italian Prime Minister Giorgio Maloney.