Israeli Child Activist Faces Antisemitic Abuse After Italian Interview

A 10-year-old Israeli child activist, Ben Carasso, has become the latest target of online antisemitism after he gave a heartfelt interview to Italy’s Il Riformista about the suffering of Israeli children since the October 7 Hamas massacre.

Carasso, known in Israel for lighting a torch during this year’s national Independence Day ceremony, told the Italian daily that children remain among the most wounded physically and emotionally by the ongoing war. He highlighted the brutal murder and kidnapping of children, including Ariel and Kfir Bibas, and spoke of tens of thousands more forced from their homes, many bearing deep psychological scars.

But within hours of the article’s publication, social media accounts linked to the newspaper were flooded with vile hate messages. Carasso, the descendant of Holocaust survivors, was told to “return to Auschwitz like your grandfather.” Others posted antisemitic caricatures and grotesque comparisons, even depicting Israeli soldiers with Nazi insignias.

Some accused Jews of harming children a modern echo of ancient blood libels. The abuse intensified after Carasso announced he was launching a memorial project for Israeli children killed since October 7.

The timing of the interview on the anniversary of Kristallnacht only underscored the painful parallels. “The same hatred that once set synagogues ablaze in Europe is resurfacing today,” Carasso said. “In the streets, in the media, and online.”

Despite the vitriol, the young activist remains undeterred. “I won’t be silenced,” he said. Carasso has been at the forefront of explaining Israel’s reality to the world, using his social media platforms in English and Hebrew to give voice to the youngest victims of terror.

During recent advocacy trips to the United States, he met thousands of people who were eager to hear firsthand what Israeli children have endured. His clarity, sincerity, and courage have struck a chord, even as he continues to face unimaginable hate for simply telling the truth.

What does it say about the state of discourse when a child a voice for peace and remembrance becomes a target for the darkest hate? Carasso’s story is not only a reflection of growing global antisemitism, but a call to confront it wherever it emerges.

Stand with Ben Carasso and amplify the truth he speaks. Share this article and subscribe to our newsletter for more stories that shine light in dark times.