New York Hasidic Couple Assaulted and Robbed Near Venice’s Rialto Bridge; Police Investigating

VENICE, Italy — A Hasidic Jewish couple from New York was attacked and robbed Sunday night near the iconic Rialto Bridge in Venice by three unknown assailants, Italian authorities confirmed.

According to police and Italy’s state broadcaster TG Regione, the couple — a young man and his pregnant wife — were assaulted with a hose, spat upon, and had a drink poured on them during the attack. Witnesses also reported that one of the attackers unleashed a large dog, which bit the man’s cell phone, damaging the screen.

The victims, who don’t speak Italian, returned to the U.S. without filing an official complaint. Police are currently trying to contact them to get their side of the story. Meanwhile, officers are reviewing security footage from the area as they work to identify the three suspects.

It’s still unclear whether the attack was a hate crime, a robbery, or both, as investigators keep all options open. Although the couple returned to the U.S. without filing a formal complaint, prosecutors can still pursue the case under Italian law.

This isn’t the first incident raising alarm over antisemitism in Venice. Earlier this year, antisemitic chants were heard during a speech by the president of Venice’s Jewish community, and a university professor was assaulted after refusing to publicly condemn Israel.

Local authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward as they continue the investigation.