Promoting Israeli Relations with Italy and the Vatican

Through our Rome representative, AJC maintains ongoing, cordial relations with the Italy-Israel Parliamentary Friendship Association—the largest in Europe—with over 200 members from all political parties represented in the government. We enjoy equally close relations with other local and national Italy-Israel friendship associations, in coordination with Israel's embassies in Rome (to the Italian State and to the Holy See) and the Union of Italian Jewish Communities. Indeed, AJC's advocacy efforts encouraged Italy to lead several other EU countries in opposing a biased anti-Israel resolution at UNESCO in May 2017.

Moreover, AJC is in frequent contact with both the Italian government and the Vatican Secretary of State on Israel-related issues, and remains the only Jewish organization in constant communication with the Vatican ministries that deal with Israel, the Jewish Diaspora, and the Roman Catholic Church.

AJC often translates and provides Israel-related publications, op-eds, and articles written by AJC experts for Italian audiences, including Vatican and Foreign Ministry officials, international diplomats, and media representatives.

In partnership with the Italian chapter of Religions for Peace, AJC’s Rome office recently organized an accredited course for journalists on "Media and Religion," which includes a section aimed at combating antisemitism and improving information and media coverage of Israel and Israel's place in the Middle East.