Reggio Children: Jewish teachers refuse to take part. ‘Third Reich methods’
A call has been made for a statement distancing the local authority from the Israeli government’s actions. The mayor from Emilia: ‘Anti-Semitism is not part of our history’
A storm has erupted in Reggio Emilia after the organisation Reggio Children, which is partly publicly and partly privately funded, reportedly asked Israeli and American teachers wishing to take part in an early years education programme to sign – on the grounds that they are Jewish – a declaration distancing themselves from the actions of the Israeli government. The request was rejected by the delegation of American Jewish teachers, who subsequently cancelled their visit to the city.
Milan’s Jewish community: methods from the Third Reich
The president of the Jewish community of Milan Walker Meghnagi denounces: ‘The methods and atmosphere fostered by certain municipalities in Emilia remind me very much of those of Goebbels and of what the Fascist leader Roberto Farinacci wrote: “Jews, a filthy race to be buried as such”. You cannot ask an American citizen, a teacher, or a Jew to respond as a Jew, simply because they are one. It is the total negation of the inclusion that, in words, they claim to wish to promote. It is anti-Semitism. I call for the municipal administration of Reggio Emilia to resign.”
Mayor: Anti-Semitism is not part of our history
The Mayor of Reggio Emilia, Marco Massari, ‘firmly rejects the accusations of anti-Semitism levelled at the Municipality of Reggio Emilia, which in no way reflect our values, our history or the principles underpinning our commitment to education. We hope that these remarks stem from incomplete information and that it will be possible to clear up any misunderstanding, without allowing political considerations to overshadow the educational debate.”
Bignami (FdI): a unanimous condemnation is needed
According to Galeazzo Bignami, leader of the Fratelli d’Italia group in the Chamber of Deputies, ‘the local council must clarify every aspect of this matter, ensuring the utmost transparency regarding the decisions taken and any pressure that may have led to the delegation’s withdrawal. Anti-Semitism must not be tolerated, nor can it be downplayed or justified on the basis of ideological differences.’ ‘We expect a clear and unambiguous condemnation from all political parties.’
