Jewish Tourists Assaulted by North African Group in Venice

Venice: A pair of Jewish tourists, an American man and his Israeli wife, were attacked by a dozen-strong group of North African men in Venice on the night between Sunday and Monday, local newspapers reported on Thursday. The incident took place in the vicinity of Venice’s Santa Fosca church, shortly after midnight, when the group noticed the man’s attire, which suggested his Jewish identity.

According to Ansa News Agency, the attack began when the group started hurling insults at the couple, shouting “Free Palestine.” Attempting to evade the confrontation, the couple tried to walk away but were encircled by the group, which further intimidated them by simulating inappropriate gestures. The situation escalated when a member of the group used a Rottweiler dog to intimidate the couple.

In a deceptive act, a 31-year-old Tunisian man from the group extended his hand as if to shake hands with the Jewish man, only to slap him in the face. The altercation concluded with the woman suffering an ankle injury, caused by a bottle that had been smashed on the ground during the commotion.