Venice Mayor Condemns Attack on Orthodox Jewish Tourist Couple Amid Rising Antisemitic Incidents

VENICE — An American Orthodox Jewish couple was attacked by a group of men shouting “Free Palestine” in Venice over the weekend, prompting swift condemnation from city officials.

The couple, an American man and his Israeli wife, were chased by about a dozen assailants, reportedly of North African origin, shortly after midnight between September 7 and 8. During the assault, one attacker set a Rottweiler on the couple while another struck the man. A glass bottle was also thrown, injuring the woman’s ankle.

Three suspects were apprehended following the incident, aided by video surveillance, according to local reports. One Tunisian man charged with assault was banned from returning to Venice for two years, while another undocumented attacker was sent to a repatriation center in Bari for return to Tunisia. Some suspects remain at large.

Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro described the attack as a “serious and unacceptable act” and emphasized the city’s commitment to being “an open, welcoming, and safe city, where mutual respect is the foundation of civil coexistence.” He praised law enforcement for their rapid response in identifying those responsible.

The Jewish Community of Venice condemned the attack as a “cowardly and despicable act,” noting it undermines Venice’s long-standing tradition as a welcoming city. Venice is home to one of the oldest Jewish Ghettos in Europe.

This is the second antisemitic attack on Jewish tourists in Venice in the past month. In August, a Jewish American couple was assaulted in the Rialto area, highlighting growing concerns about antisemitic incidents in the lagoon city.

Authorities continue to investigate the assault, urging anyone with information to come forward.

This is the second anti-Semitic incident in a month in Venice: in August, an American Jewish couple was attacked in a similar manner in Rialto.