Jewish Educators Cancel Italy Trip, Dublin Hotel Cancels Conference Rooms

Nearly 70 Jewish educators from US schools canceled an October 11, 16 study trip to Reggio Emilia, Italy, after a proposed declaration asking visitors to distance themselves from Israeli policies in Gaza prompted safety concerns and accusations of antisemitism, The Media Line reported on October 16.

The Paradigm Project, a US professional network, canceled the trip on October 7 after local activists questioned participants’ connections to Israel. The proposed declaration asked teachers to disavow the occupation of Gaza and violations of children’s rights. Reggio Children, the host organization, stated the text was circulated for discussion but never formally adopted, and its official charter calls for respect for human rights without naming a specific country.

Reggio Emilia Mayor Marco Massari denied visitors were required to pass a political test. Cohen stated that the Herbert Park Hotel’s general manager asked, "Will the IDF be involved?" after he explained the event's purpose. The rooms were canceled the next day without explanation, which Cohen described as an example of contemporary antisemitism in a speech at the SECCA meeting.