On 5 November, Palazzo Borromeo hosted the presentation of the volume “Sixteen Guides to understanding Judaism. The joint work of CEI and UCEI: an Italian best practice”, organised by the Embassy of Italy to the Holy See in cooperation with the Italian Bishops’ Conference (CEI) and the Union of Italian Jewish Communities (UCEI).
Following the welcoming remarks by Ambassador Francesco Di Nitto, speakers included Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, President of the CEI; Noemi Di Segni, President of the UCEI; Rabbi Alfonso Pedatzur Arbib, President of the Assembly of Italian Rabbis; Rabbi Riccardo Shemuel Di Segni, Chief Rabbi of the Jewish Community of Rome; and Monsignor Derio Olivero, Bishop of Pinerolo and President of the Episcopal Commission for Ecumenism and Dialogue. Among those in attendance were Father Norbert Hofmann, Secretary of the Commission for Religious Relations with the Jews of the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity; General Pasquale Angelosanto, National Coordinator for the Fight against Antisemitism; and Ambassador Luigi Maccotta, Head of the Italian Delegation to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA).
Marking the 60th anniversary of the declaration Nostra Aetate, the event provided an opportunity to highlight an exemplary Italian model of collaboration between the CEI and UCEI — a dialogue conducted in openness and mutual respect, and grounded in a deep understanding of each other’s traditions. This cooperation led to the joint drafting of the Guides, designed to promote an accurate understanding and teaching of Judaism, while reaffirming a shared commitment to combating all forms of antisemitism.
The Guides are the outcome of years of joint work to provide Italian schools with high-quality educational resources — also relevant beyond the formal education system. They represent an Italian best practice founded on listening, study and dialogue, and offer a replicable model promoting knowledge as the true antidote to all forms of discrimination.
