This collection of essays aims to give a picture - albeit partial - of the history of the Jews in Italy from Unity to today. The Church's anti-Jewish policy is re-examined, as evidenced by the relevant traces in Renaissance figurative art, the position of the Jews from the Unification to the First World War and their participation in public affairs / social and political life, which studies confirm also important to the internal fascism until a few years before the racial laws.
Likewise, the mechanisms of persecution are investigated, first of rights and then of life itself, which were implemented by decision of the fascist government, of the collaborationism of the Republic of Salò and of a not inconsiderable part of Italian citizens.
In the light of the studies presented, the question of the reintegration of the survivors of the Shoah and of a resurrected anti-Semitism, both right-wing and anti-Zionist and Islamist, underlines the need for a historical review that considers the actual past and present responsibilities of Italian society in the formation of prejudices and racist myths.
