The 7th of October of this year will be forever impressed in my mind and soul. The feeling of horror stems directly from our hearts. We are speechless and devastated.
Italy has expressed to Israel the deepest feelings of solidarity and support, from President Mattarella to President Herzog, from Prime Minister Meloni to Prime Minister Netanyahu, from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani to Minister Cohen. As Minister Tajani said yesterday in Parliament, “the Hamas attack is a brutal, unjustified and extremely serious act of aggression to be condemned without equivocation. Israel has the full right to exist and defend itself as well as to live in peace and security conditions”.
I am honoured to represent and serve Italy in Israel in this tragic time. I am here to share and help. Every time I see the flag of Israel, it will remind me of the 7th of October, but it will also remind me of the strength of the Jewish people, of the sense of purpose that guide it, of the permanence of the State of Israel in all its components that is here to stay for the benefit of the world at large. No question about it. If a light is shining in those dark hours, is shining from Israel.
Sergio Barbanti
Ambassador of Italy
