A group of neo-Nazis attacked Jewish teenagers in Bulgaria shouting "Sieg Heil"

A group of Italian Jewish teenagers was the victim of a serious episode of antisemitism in the tourist city of Bansko, Bulgaria, when dozens of alleged neo-Nazis surrounded the hotel where they were staying, performed Nazi salutes, shouted "Sieg Heil," and attempted to force their way into the building.

The delegation, made up of young people from Rome and Milan, was participating in an educational program organized by the Jewish youth movement Bnei Akiva. The incident prompted a security operation and led to the opening of an investigation by Bulgarian authorities.

The attackers surrounded the hotel and threatened the youths

According to testimonies and videos shared on social media, the attackers, dressed in black t-shirts adorned with skulls and symbols associated with extremist groups, gathered in front of the hotel on Sunday night.

While performing Nazi salutes and chanting antisemitic slogans, they attempted to force entry into the establishment where the teenagers and their educators were staying.

In addition to the shouts of "Sieg Heil", the attackers blocked the exits of the building and intimidated those inside for several minutes.

The local police arrived at the scene and initially dispersed the group. However, according to the organizers, the extremists returned shortly after and blocked the hotel entrances again, prolonging the tense situation.

Bnei Akiva highlighted the quick response of the security staff

From World Bnei Akiva, it was explained that the incident occurred during the last night of the camp, and as soon as the attack began, the coordinators ordered all participants to return immediately to their rooms to avoid any confrontation.

The camp and hotel security staff controlled the access points while notifying the police, who later identified those involved and initiated the appropriate actions.

The organization emphasized that Bulgaria had been chosen as the venue for the program after evaluating various security factors and considering that it presented a relatively low level of antisemitic incidents compared to other European destinations.

Furthermore, it assured that such episodes would not prevent the continuation of activities aimed at strengthening Jewish identity and the connection of young people with Israel.

The Italian Jewish community denounced a new episode of antisemitism

The president of the Jewish Community of Rome, Victor Fadlun, strongly condemned the attack and lamented that young European Jews can no longer travel peacefully without exposing themselves to hate-motivated assaults.

Fadlun described the scene as an unacceptable provocation, carried out by individuals performing Nazi salutes while attempting to enter the hotel where dozens of teenagers were staying.

He also called on Bulgarian authorities to quickly identify those responsible and bring them to justice.

Italian leaders demanded a firm response

The attack generated a swift condemnation from various Italian leaders.

The Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini described the episode as "extremely serious" and stated that any form of violence against Jewish communities is "repugnant and unacceptable." He also warned about the growing climate of hatred that fuels such aggressions.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani, expressed his solidarity with the attacked youths and stated that antisemitism constitutes a form of hatred that must be eradicated.

The President of the Italian Senate, Ignazio La Russa, also expressed his "deep indignation" over the attack and demanded that Bulgarian authorities quickly clarify the facts and identify all those responsible.

The investigation continues as concerns grow over the increase in antisemitic episodes in various European countries, where Jewish organizations have been warning about a rise in threats, assaults, and expressions of hatred against their communities.