Orthodox Jewish travelers suffer brutal assault in Venice
In the heart of Venice, near the iconic Rialto Bridge, an unfortunate incident occurred in early August 2025. An American Orthodox Jewish couple, including a pregnant woman, was violently assaulted. The investigation is underway to determine whether this attack was motivated by antisemitism, attempted robbery, or another motive.
The assailants allegedly doused the couple with water, spat on the man’s face, and unleashed a large dog on him. However, fortunately, the dog's teeth struck a mobile phone in his pocket instead of his leg. Witnesses reported that the attackers shouted antisemitic insults and made verbal threats during the incident.
Shaken by the encounter, the couple sought refuge in a kosher restaurant in Venice's historic Jewish Ghetto. Despite the traumatic experience, they chose not to file a formal complaint and have since returned to the United States.
Italian police are reviewing surveillance footage from the vicinity and seeking the victims' statements. Prosecutors can pursue the case ex officio, meaning they can initiate criminal proceedings without a formal complaint from the victims. This approach allows the investigation to continue regardless of the couple's decision not to remain in Italy for legal proceedings.
The attack has raised concerns within the local Jewish community, who view it as part of a troubling pattern of hostility toward Jews in recent months. Earlier in 2025, antisemitic chants were reported during a speech by Venice’s Jewish community president, and a professor was assaulted for refusing to condemn Israel publicly. Last year in Rome, an Israeli couple experienced discriminatory cancellation of a hotel reservation accompanied by hateful accusations.
Community leaders have expressed growing unease over this apparent increase in antisemitic incidents across Italy. Officers aim to reach the victims to obtain their direct account, as they work to ensure the safety and well-being of all visitors and residents in Venice.
[1] Local Jewish Community Expresses Concern Over Rising Antisemitism in Italy [2] Venice Assault on American Jewish Couple Under Investigation [3] Italian Authorities Commit to Investigating and Prosecuting Hate Crimes [4] Antisemitic Incidents on the Rise in Italy: A Pattern of Hostility Emerges [5] Venice Jewish Community Leaders Call for Vigilance and Action Against Antisemitism
- The escalating number of antisemitic incidents in Italy, including the assault on an American Jewish couple in Venice, is causing concern within the local Jewish community, prompting leaders to call for vigilance and action against this hate-fueled trend.
- In the midst of ongoing investigations into a series of antisemitic incidents across Italy, including the assault on a couple near the Rialto Bridge in Venice, Italian authorities are reaffirming their commitment to pursue hate crimes, noting that they can do so ex officio without the need for formal complaints from victims.
