A French Jewish family targeted by mob shouting ‘Free Palestine’ at Linate motorway stop

On July 27, 2025, a disturbing antisemitic attack occurred at the Autogrill rest stop in Linate, near Milan, Italy, when a French father and his six-year-old son were verbally and physically assaulted after being identified as Jewish by their kippah and tzitzit. Eyewitness video shows the assailants chanting “Free Palestine” and labeling the victims “murderers” as they attempted to use the restroom facilities. The confrontation quickly escalated into violence, with the father thrown to the ground and kicked before bystanders intervened and police arrived approximately ten minutes later.

The father, who sustained minor injuries and a broken pair of eyeglasses, responded defiantly in Hebrew, shouting “Am Yisrael Chai” (“The people of Israel live”) to protect his son, who appeared visibly shaken throughout the ordeal. According to local Jewish advocacy groups, this incident underscores a troubling rise in antisemitic sentiment across Europe following renewed hostilities in the Middle East.

In an official statement, the local Linate police department confirmed that an active investigation has been launched, and several individuals are being questioned. Authorities have classified the incident as a hate crime, emphasizing that Italy’s laws strictly prohibit violence and threats based on religious identity. Prosecutors are reviewing video evidence to identify perpetrators and potential charges of aggravated assault and hate speech.

Leaders of Italy’s Jewish community condemned the attack. Daniella Mayer, head of the Jewish Community of Milan, described the event as “a chilling reminder of the dangers of unchecked hatred” and called for enhanced protection measures at public venues. “No one in Italy should fear violence for displaying a symbol of their faith,” Mayer stated in a press release.

Human rights organizations echoed these concerns. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) highlighted that this assault is part of a broader pattern of antisemitic incidents in Europe, where Jewish individuals have faced threats, vandalism, and physical attacks over the past year. The ADL urged European governments to intensify educational programs to combat prejudice and ensure swift legal action against offenders.

Italian political figures also reacted swiftly. Interior Minister Carlo Ferro emphasized the government’s commitment to safeguarding religious freedom, promising increased patrols at major transportation hubs and rest areas. Matteo Salvini, leader of a right-wing party, denounced the attack, asserting that “Italy has no room for hate” and advocating for stricter penalties for hate crimes.

Conversely, some far-left activists argued that the incident, while condemnable, reflects deeper geopolitical frustrations. Paolo Ricci, a pro-Palestinian protest organizer, stated that “our anger is directed at policies, not people,” denouncing violence “in any form” but calling for a dialogue on Israeli actions toward Palestinians. His comments were met with criticism by Jewish groups, who warned against conflating political protest with hate speech.

The Linate assault has reignited debates on how best to balance freedom of expression with protections against hate. Legal experts note that Italy’s public order laws allow for the prohibition of speech that incites violence or discrimination. Scholars advocate for clearer guidelines to distinguish legitimate protest from incitement of hatred, ensuring that peaceful dissent does not cross into criminal territory.

In the aftermath, the French Embassy in Rome expressed solidarity with the victims, offering consular assistance. French Secretary of State for European Affairs, Camille Delaunay, called the episode “unacceptable” and urged Italian authorities to bring the culprits to justice promptly. The embassy also warned French citizens traveling in Europe to remain vigilant against potential antisemitic threats.

As the investigation continues, the Linate community has organized a solidarity vigil, drawing hundreds of participants who gathered to light candles and call for unity against hatred. The event featured speeches by civic leaders, religious figures, and human rights advocates, underscoring a collective denouncement of antisemitism and a renewed commitment to protecting all citizens, regardless of background or faith.