A mural in Italy depicting Holocaust survivors Liliana Segre and Sami Modiano has been defaced in an act of vandalism. The artwork by artist aleXsandro Palombo was unveiled on September 28 as a symbol of Holocaust remembrance at a time when antisemitism is on the rise in Europe. The survivors were portrayed in striped camp uniforms and bulletproof vests, drawing attention to the atrocities they endured. The vandalism occurred shortly after a pro-Palestinian rally in Milan where some protesters targeted Segre, a 94-year-old Italian senator, labeling her a “Zionist agent”. Palombo responded to this rhetoric by creating the mural, which has since garnered backlash across Italy.
The defacement of the mural has sparked outrage and condemnation from various individuals and organizations in Italy. Mario Venezia, the head of Italy’s Holocaust memorial museum, described it as a “demented act” that “damages walls but not history”. Piero Fassino, an official from the Italian Democratic Party, labeled it a “cowardly assault on Holocaust memory”. Palombo is known for creating murals that address contentious issues, such as a piece last year featuring Holocaust victim Anne Frank alongside a young Palestinian girl. Despite facing defacement on his previous works, Palombo remains committed to using art as a tool for raising awareness and promoting dialogue on important social issues.
In addition to the mural of Holocaust survivors, Palombo’s depiction of Vlada Patapov, the “girl in red” who survived a Hamas attack during the Nova festival, was also defaced shortly after completion. Palombo has spoken out against the antisemitism perpetuated by Hamas, emphasizing the need to eradicate terrorism in all its forms. He believes that terrorism is a threat to humanity and must be addressed collectively to ensure peace and security for all. Rome’s Shoah Museum also condemned the vandalism, highlighting the significance of preserving memory to build a just and conscious society. These acts not only harm art but also undermine the fundamental value of remembrance in shaping a better future for all.
The backlash in response to the vandalism reflects a broader concern over the increasing prevalence of antisemitism and hate speech in society. Palombo’s murals serve as a powerful reminder of the atrocities of the past and the importance of standing up against discrimination and intolerance. By highlighting the stories of Holocaust survivors and victims of terrorism, he seeks to provoke conversation and provoke reflection on the consequences of unchecked hatred. The defacement of these artworks underscores the need for continued efforts to combat antisemitism and extremism in order to foster a more inclusive and compassionate society.
The defacement of the mural of Holocaust survivors Liliana Segre and Sami Modiano in Italy serves as a stark reminder of the enduring legacy of antisemitism and bigotry. The vandalism of these artworks has sparked widespread condemnation and calls for greater efforts to combat hate speech and discrimination. Through his provocative murals, artist aleXsandro Palombo aims to draw attention to the injustices of the past and present, challenging viewers to confront uncomfortable truths and engage in dialogue about pressing social issues. The defacement of these works highlights the urgent need to address the root causes of hatred and intolerance in order to create a more inclusive and empathetic world for future generations.
