Proud, Jewish, and Unbowed: Milan's Community Leader Fights a New War for Identity
In the heart of Milan, a city that once symbolized European elegance and tolerance, Dalia Gubbay stands as a modern-day Maccabee. As Vice President of the Jewish Community of Milan, she navigates a reality where police escorts guard schoolchildren, where synagogues require armed protection, and where a mother's love collides with ancient hatreds. Her message to Israel is clear: we are fighting too, and we will not surrender.
What does it feel like to be Jewish in Milan today?
Gubbay, a proud Italian Jew, describes a life transformed since October 7. The community of roughly 7,000 souls, a vibrant tapestry woven from Tripoli, Iran, Lebanon, Egypt, and native Italian roots, now lives under a constant shadow. The 20 synagogues and three community schools that once thrived in peaceful routine have become fortresses of faith.
“Why do our children have to go to school every day under heavy police escort?” she asks, her voice carrying the weight of a mother's anguish. “I have many non-Jewish friends, and when I tell them that we have round-the-clock security, they find it inconceivable.”
Even the most sacred moments are now marred by fear. “Even at the synagogue, after prayers, we can't just stand outside and calmly wish each other 'Shabbat Shalom' or 'Happy Holiday' — the police immediately urge us on: 'Come on, disperse, move along.' We don't want to live like this forever, but we can't do without security.”
A mother's heartbreak: antisemitism reaches Jewish youth camps
The fear is not abstract. It struck home when Gubbay's son faced an antisemitic incident at a Bnei Akiva summer camp in Bulgaria. “At first, I didn't fully grasp what was happening. My son tried to calm me down, but when I understood the full picture, my heart simply broke. Have we reached a point where we are afraid to send our children to Jewish youth activities abroad? That is something we cannot accept.”
Her 18-year-old daughter, a fervent Zionist, faces an impossible choice as she prepares for university. “She came to me in tears and said, 'Mom, I don't know what to do. I'm afraid to stay here, but I can't imagine going to university and hiding the fact that I'm Jewish. And on the other hand, if I say I'm Jewish — what will happen to me?' Seeing a young girl grappling with such a dilemma — having to choose between her identity and her personal safety — is heartbreaking.”
Defiance in the face of danger: a Star of David worn with pride
Despite the threats, Gubbay refuses to hide. “I wear a Star of David on my finger and around my neck. My mother begs me: 'Please, don't walk down the street like that; it's dangerous.' But I'm not willing to take it off.” She counsels her children to be prudent, to swap a visible kippah for a hat, but the message is one of resilience, not retreat.
How is antisemitism infiltrating Italy's schools?
The battlefront has moved into classrooms. Gubbay points to groups like “Docenti per Gaza” (Teachers for Gaza), organized online, attempting to hijack the first day of school for one-sided propaganda. “We have an excellent relationship with Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara, who makes genuine efforts to investigate complaints and dispatch inspectors; however, it is extremely difficult to monitor every school and classroom across Italy. These one-sided messages are seeping in everywhere.”
Liberation Day turned to humiliation: echoes of the 1930s
The most harrowing moment came on April 25, Italy's Liberation Day, commemorating freedom from Nazism and Fascism. Gubbay marched proudly with the Jewish Brigade banner, honoring those who bled for Italy's freedom. The response was a shock to the soul. “Protesters simply shouted at us: 'Get out of here; we don't want Jews here.' I stood there in total shock. I was born in Milan; this is my city. The police came and told us to leave, fearing for our safety. It felt as though we had been thrust back into the 1930s.”
What are Milan's Jews doing ahead of the High Holy Days?
As Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur approach, security is at maximum alert. The community coordinates visible and covert measures with local police. But Gubbay's resolve is ironclad. “We will not be afraid, nor will we stay at home. We will go to synagogues, celebrate with pride, and gather together. It is very important to me that the public in Israel knows: we, too, are waging a kind of war here.”
“True, it is not the same war, and people are not being killed here as they are in Israel, but we are fighting every day for our identity, for our right to support Israel, and for our children's future.”
Her bond with the Jewish homeland remains unbreakable. “Since October 7th, I have already visited Israel eleven times. Our bond with the country runs deep in our souls, and despite the social costs and the fears that accompany us as mothers and leaders, we will not give up.”
In a world that too often forgets its history, Dalia Gubbay stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Am Yisrael. Her fight is our fight, and her victory will be ours. As the Psalmist wrote, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” (Psalm 27:1). Milan's Jews are not afraid, and neither are we.
Frequently asked questions about Jewish life in Milan
Is it safe to be Jewish in Milan right now?
Security is a serious concern, with police escorts for schools and synagogues, but the community remains active and defiant. Leaders like Dalia Gubbay encourage pride and visibility while taking necessary precautions.
How has the Jewish community in Milan responded to rising antisemitism?
The community has strengthened security, maintained close ties with Italian authorities, and increased public advocacy. They continue to hold services and events, refusing to let fear dictate their lives.
What can Jews abroad do to support Israel and their local communities?
Staying visibly proud of Jewish identity, supporting Jewish education, maintaining strong ties with Israel, and engaging with local political leaders are key actions. Visiting Israel and fostering personal connections also reinforce the unbreakable bond.