Milan’s mayor, Giuseppe Sala, never misses a chance to lecture the public on values. Diversity, equity, inclusion, social justice, human dignity—the usual sermon. But when it comes to putting those principles into action, especially when Jewish lives are involved, his moral clarity suddenly dims. His latest move? Refusing to illuminate City Hall to commemorate the murder of the Bibas brothers, two Israeli children slaughtered by Hamas in Gaza. A gesture so small yet so telling.

The decision, or rather the lack of one, has drawn sharp criticism. Across Italy, landmarks have been lit up to honor the young victims, yet in Milan—of all places—Sala opted for darkness. This is a city that once defied fascist oppression, the city of the Shoah Memorial at Platform 21, where Jews were packed into death trains bound for Auschwitz. And yet, its mayor sees no reason to mark the murder of Jewish children.

The Bibas brothers, Kfir and Ariel, were taken hostage by Hamas on October 7.........

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