Jews Attacked in Autogrill in Lainate: Investigation for Beatings and Racial Hatred

On July 27, 2025, a French Jewish father and his six-year-old son were attacked at an Autogrill rest stop in Lainate, Italy, along the A8 Milan-Varese motorway, sparking outrage and an investigation into assault and racial hatred. The incident, captured on video and widely shared online, has drawn attention to rising antisemitism in Europe. This evergreen article examines the event, official responses, and its broader implications, optimized for SEO with keywords like “Lainate Autogrill attack 2025” and “antisemitic incidents Italy.” It aims to drive engagement, rank on Google, and offer affiliate opportunities for related books or safety products.

What Happened at the Lainate Autogrill

The victim, a 52-year-old French Jewish man named Elie, was traveling with his family to visit his daughter in Milan. While stopped at the Autogrill, he and his son, both wearing kippahs, were targeted with verbal abuse, including chants of “Free Palestine,” “murderers,” and “go back to your country.” The situation escalated when assailants demanded Elie delete a video he recorded, then physically attacked him, punching and kicking him in front of his son. The child was left visibly distressed, crying for hours, according to Elie’s interview with Corriere della Sera.

Key Details

• Location: Autogrill service area, Lainate, A8 motorway, near Milan.
• Date: July 27, 2025, evening.
• Victims: French Jewish father (52) and son (6), identified by their kippahs.
• Attack: Verbal insults escalated to physical assault, with the father beaten after refusing to delete video evidence.
• Evidence: Video footage recorded by Elie, shared on social media, and CCTV from the Autogrill and parking area.

Official Response and Investigation

The Milan police responded on the evening of July 27, and the Digos (Italian anti-terrorism and extremism unit) is leading the investigation. Prosecutors are awaiting a detailed report to determine charges, potentially including assault and racial hatred under Italy’s Mancino Law, which addresses hate crimes. CCTV footage and parking lot cameras are being analyzed to identify suspects, some of whom fled the scene.

Statements from Authorities

• Milan Police: “Officers were called to the service area on Sunday evening and are investigating the incident”.
• Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini: Called the attack “very serious,” stating, “I had hoped that Jew baiting had ended with the death of Nazi fascism, it is unacceptable that in 2025 in our country it is still happening”.

Reactions from Jewish Communities and Advocates

The incident has fueled concerns about rising antisemitism in Italy and Europe, particularly since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, which led to a 200% spike in antisemitic incidents in the U.S. and similar trends in Europe.

Notable Responses

• Noemi Di Segni, President of the Union of Italian Jewish Communities: “If simply being visibly Jewish is enough to provoke such a violent attack… then the legitimisation of hatred and antisemitism has become viral”.
• Bruno Gazzo, Italy-Israel Association: Denounced the “shameful climate of hatred against Jews and Israelis,” calling for swift identification and prosecution of the attackers.
• Yossi Spitezki, French Jewish Advocate: Expressed alarm, noting the father had “no connection to Israel” and was targeted solely for being Jewish.

Social media reactions were mixed, with support for the victims alongside some criticism of Israel, reflecting polarized sentiments.

Broader Context: Antisemitism in 2025

The Lainate attack is part of a global surge in antisemitic incidents. In 2023, the ADL reported 8,873 antisemitic incidents in the U.S., a 140% increase from 2022, with assaults up 45%. In Europe, a 2024 RIAS report noted an 80% rise in antisemitic incidents in Germany, many tied to Israel-Palestine tensions. Italy has seen a historical rise in antisemitism since 2000, often linked to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with a 30% increase in incidents in 2000 alone due to the Second Intifada.

Common Triggers

• Visible Jewish Symbols: Kippahs, Stars of David, or other identifiers often prompt attacks, as seen in Lainate and a 2024 Chicago shooting where a kippah-wearing man was targeted.
• Political Tensions: Shouts of “Free Palestine” in Lainate echo a pattern where geopolitical conflicts fuel attacks on Jewish individuals.

Family’s Account: Fear and Trauma

Elie’s son-in-law, who was nearby, told Adnkronos: “My father-in-law was beaten, his glasses broken, with marks on his body. He called me saying, ‘Call the police, they want to beat me’”. The family, shaken, fears further incidents, with Elie noting Italy’s reputation as tolerant made the attack unexpected.

How to Stay Safe as a Visible Minority

• Travel in Groups: Avoid isolated areas when wearing identifiable symbols.
• Document Incidents: Record videos or take photos, as Elie did, to aid investigations.
• Report Immediately: Contact local authorities and organizations like the ADL or local Jewish councils.
• Use Safety Apps: Apps like Citizen or Noonlight can alert authorities quickly.
• Affiliate Tip: Promote personal safety devices like portable alarms on Amazon.

Conclusion

The Lainate Autogrill attack highlights the alarming rise of antisemitism in 2025, with a Jewish father and son targeted for their faith. As investigations continue, the incident underscores the need for stronger measures against hate crimes. By sharing this story, leveraging affiliate links, and optimizing for SEO, you can raise awareness and drive engagement. Stay informed, report incidents, and support efforts to combat hatred for a safer future.