Anti-Semitism, Dem reformists' bill is a case: here's what's happening

The clash in the PD remains open on the bill presented by Dem senator Graziano Delrio on countering anti-Semitism. The reformists are not giving up, despite the party's stop. In the meantime, several writers and scholars on Jews and anti-Semitism are rejecting the bills on the subject that are being discussed in parliament as 'unacceptable and dangerous'. The Senate Constitutional Affairs Committee has four of them, filed by Forza Italia, Lega, Pd and Italia Viva. And the sparks between the Dems rekindle the expectations of the majority parties. With Azzurri and Lega members ready to push for a rapid discussion of the texts that have several points in common. Among these is the application of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition of anti-Semitism.

And it is precisely on this definition that the controversy becomes heated even outside the parliamentary halls. To the appeal of intellectuals, the Union of Italian Jewish Communities is added. It attacks: 'Boycotting the parliamentary process is tantamount to serving those who continue to foster anti-Semitic hatred'. The hope of Ucei president Noemi Di Segni is "that a single, well-reasoned text of the law will be defined very quickly in view of 27 January". This is the opposite opinion to that expressed by several intellectuals, according to whom it is "counterproductive to introduce special laws that in fact separate anti-Semitism from the fight against all forms of racism". Among the signatories of the appeal are Anna Foa, Roberto Della Seta, Helena Janeczeck, Carlo Ginzburg, Lisa Ginzburg, Gad Lerner and Roberto Saviano. Who insist. "These legislative initiatives use the fight against anti-Semitism as a political tool to restrict the freedom of public debate, research and legitimate criticism of Israel."

While the controversy outside Parliament flares up, the 1st Senate committee is busy registering a flurry of signatures on the Delrio bill. After the halt by the PD group leader Francesco Boccia, Dem senators Valeria Valente, Antonio Nicita, Andrea Martella and Beatrice Lorenzin withdrew their signatures. But those of Action senators Carlo Calenda and Marco Lombardo were added. Meanwhile, the Dem reformists remain firm in their intentions. Simona Malpezzi assures that there is no will to withdraw the ddl and insists on the 'need to discuss this issue in Parliament'. While from the group leader Boccia comes another slam. He goes back to defining Delrio's bill as 'a personal initiative, not representative of the position of the Democratic Party, which remains clear and non-negotiable'.

The battle between the reformists and the Dems closest to secretary Elly Schlein will therefore continue in committee. Where the League and Forza Italia are ready to accelerate. 'The four ddl,' explains the Lega's Gian Marco Centinaio, 'have several shared elements. The committee can discuss them, modify them and vote on them. The only thing it cannot do is get stopped by the vetoes of those who seek the votes of the vandals who devastate our cities'. The hope is to reach the Chamber as early as the beginning of next year. A prospect also shared by Fi group leader Maurizio Gasparri, who defends the FI bill under his signature. "It is not a law to protect the Israeli government, but it is to protect Jews and the State of Israel," he explains. He then lashes out at 'many sectors of the Italian left affected by the syndrome of anti-Semitism'. While from the 'wide field' Angelo Bonelli of Avs urges: 'Progressive forces defend freedom of criticism'.