Italiani ed ebrei

the long version

Using published testimonies, as well as articles from the Italian press, relates the reactions of Italian society to the racist legislation. Describes the trauma undergone by Italian Jews for whom the antisemitic decrees were unexpected. Notes the reactions of Jewish ex-fascists, anti-fascists, Zionists, intellectuals and scholars. The confusing atmosphere created by Mussolini's racial policy is exemplified in excerpts from the fascist Catholic newspapers in support of the antisemitic policy, but also by manifestations of sympathy and solidarity with the Jews. States that the racist legislation caused a rift in the fascist regime and marked the decline of Mussolini's popularity. Asserts that the antisemitic measures prepared the ground for the deportation of Italian Jews by the Nazis in 1943.