Italian Jewish history

Italian Jewish history dates back over 2,000 years, beginning with communities established in Rome and other cities under Roman rule. Despite periods of tolerance, Jews faced expulsions, restrictions, and persecution, especially during medieval times. In the Renaissance, Jewish communities contributed to commerce, scholarship, and culture, often thriving amid challenges. The 19th and 20th centuries brought emancipation and integration, but also dark times like the Holocaust, which devastated Italian Jewry. Today, Italian Jewish communities maintain rich traditions, vibrant cultural life, and continue to honor their historical resilience within Italy's diverse society.