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🇮🇱 Israel /Crime & Justice

Jewish Italian teens targeted by alleged neo-Nazis at Bulgaria hotel

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • A group of Jewish-Italian teenagers and their educators were targeted by alleged neo-Nazi skinheads in Bansko, Bulgaria.
  • The assailants performed Nazi salutes, shouted antisemitic chants, and attempted to breach the hotel where the group was staying.
  • Bulgarian authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, which occurred during a youth program organized by Bnei Akiva.

A group of Jewish-Italian teenagers and their educators faced a disturbing incident at a hotel in Bansko, Bulgaria, on Sunday. They were targeted by individuals identified as alleged neo-Nazi skinheads who attempted to force their way into the hotel. The group, comprised of youths from Rome and Milan, was participating in a program organized by the Jewish youth movement Bnei Akiva.

Video footage circulating on social media captured the assailants outside the hotel, where they reportedly performed Nazi salutes and chanted "Sieg Heil!" along with antisemitic slogans directed at the building. The mob surrounded the hotel, blocked exits, and tried to break down doors while taunting those inside. Local police were called to the scene and dispersed the group, but reports indicate the individuals returned to block the entrances after the police intervention.

Bulgarian authorities have initiated a formal investigation into the incident. The Regional Directorate of the Interior Ministry in Blagoevgrad confirmed the confrontation occurred in Bansko, clarifying initial reports that placed it in Sofia. A representative from World Bnei Akiva stated that Bulgaria was chosen for the program after careful security assessments, noting its comparatively lower levels of antisemitic incidents. The organization emphasized that such events will not deter their efforts to provide programs that strengthen Jewish identity and connection to Israel.

Italian leaders have condemned the attack. Victor Fadlun, president of the Jewish community of Rome, expressed concern on social media, highlighting that "our children are not free to travel in Europe without being exposed to t[his]." The incident occurred on the final night of the camp, shortly after midnight. Camp staff and security personnel responded promptly, ensuring participants returned to their rooms, notifying the police, and maintaining control of hotel access.

our children are not free to travel in Europe without being exposed to t

— Victor FadlunVictor Fadlun, president of the Jewish community of Rome, expressed concern on social media about the safety of Jewish youth traveling in Europe following the incident.
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Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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