Rome’s Jewish community elects new president

Riccardo Pacifici, a 44-year-old fashion businessman, has been elected as new president of the 15,000-strong Jewish community of Rome. Pacifici succeeds Leone Passerman who has led the community for the last eight years but did not run for a new term. A former vice-president and spokesman for the Jewish community, Pacific told the ‘European Jewish Press’ that "I see three main activities in the coming months. First, continuing the activity of contacts with the media and politicians. Secondly, supporting Israel as Italian public opinion appears to be more favorable towards Israel. And third, warning the public opinion against the danger of radical Islam." Pacifici also praised both candidates in Sunday’s and Monday’s general election in Italy, Walter Veltroni and Silvio Berlusconi, for their good relations with Israel.