An attempted attack by a group of alleged neo-Nazis on a hotel in Bulgaria hosting Italian Jewish teenagers has sparked strong reactions in both Italy and Bulgaria, with authorities now investigating the incident.
The case was initially reported by Italian media as having taken place in Sofia. However, Bulgaria's Regional Directorate of the Interior Ministry in Blagoevgrad later clarified that the incident occurred on August 2 in the mountain resort of Bansko.
According to the Jewish Community of Rome, a group of young Italian Jews from Rome and Milan, accompanied by their teachers, was staying at the hotel when a group of youths dressed in black gathered outside the building.
Community President Victor Fadlun described the incident as "a shameful provocation." He said videos showed individuals wearing black shirts featuring skull symbols, giving Nazi salutes and shouting "Sieg Heil!" while attempting to force their way into the hotel.
"Our children cannot travel freely in Europe without being exposed to violence and verbal aggression from anti-Semites," Fadlun said.
