In Turin, Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 27 was marred by antisemitic vandalism, as red-painted swastikas were discovered on posters commemorating the victims of the concentration camps. The Nazi symbols were defaced on public posters just as the official remembrance ceremony was underway in the City Council chamber (Sala Rossa), where renewed concern over the rise of antisemitism was being voiced.
Anna Segre, Vice President of the Jewish Community of Turin, warned of a growing number of antisemitic incidents, including within schools, where Jewish students and teachers increasingly feel compelled to hide their religious identity.
“These are extremely serious and unacceptable acts, and we hope the perpetrators are identified quickly,” said Mayor Stefano Lo Russo, who firmly condemned the spray-painted swastikas found on posters placed by the city in several locations, including via Cigna, corso Vigevano, and near the Monumental Cemetery—where official commemorations were also taking place that morning. The Digos (the anti-terrorism unit of the police) has launched an investigation into the incident.
“It’s a vile and disturbing act to deface Holocaust Remembrance posters with swastikas,” declared Senator Silvia Fregolent of Italia Viva. “This is no prank but a clear sign of rising antisemitism.” Leaders from the left-wing alliance Alleanza Verdi Sinistra expressed similar outrage, stating: “We are strongly opposed, though unfortunately not surprised,” pointing to a wider context of growing hate, a disturbing normalization of fascist rhetoric, and efforts to rewrite history.
Gianna Pentenero, head of the PD group in the regional council, added: “The fascist ideology that led to the Holocaust never truly disappeared. We must remain vigilant.” Italia Viva Torino also denounced the act as “horrific” and emphasized the duty to “never forget.”
