Mussolini granddaughter’s tweet sparks Jewish backlash

Alessandro Mussolini, the granddaughter of El Duce, threatened to sue anyone who insults her late grandfather online.

By David Isaac, World Israel News

Alessandro Mussolini, the granddaughter of Benito Mussolini, threatened to sue anyone who offends the memory of her late grandfather, El Duce, on social media, in a tweet on Oct. 17.

Benito Mussolini led Italy during World War II and was an ally of Nazi leader Adolph Hitler.

The tweet sparked a backlash online and from Italy’s Jewish community.

“The real insult is what your grandfather did to Italy: first he signed the racial laws, then he brought the country to war,” wrote an offended Italian. “And remember that in Italy there is a crime against apologizing for fascism, not anti-fascism.”

According to JTA, one of the most shared responses was from Italian-Jewish actor and musician Enrico Fink. He wrote in a Facebook post:

“Dear Alessandra Mussolini,

“I read on your profile your intention to sue whoever offends your grandfather’s memory. I understand you very well: your grandfather was killed, you couldn’t know him, and you’re sorry; and you want to defend his memory. It’s understandable, and even right I’d say in some measure. I allow myself to give you that because in this we are similar: my grandfather was killed too.  I couldn’t meet him. I’m sorry too. I want to defend his memory, too. Only the person responsible for my grandfather’s death is yours.

“My grandfather and 10 members of my father’s family, elderly and children, had been arrested by Italian police, under orders signed by your grandfather, imprisoned in Fossoli, then delivered to the Nazis and shipped to Auschwitz from where they never came back.

“So you’ll understand that while respecting your legitimate opinions, I can’t have any other idea than this: Your grandfather was a criminal, a disgrace to mankind. And despite being against the death penalty, I can’t but be happy that he met the end, too late, that he did.

“If you think of suing I will be happy to explain myself better in court: but I think you well know that I have good arguments, and I have as many of them as you would like to hear. I salute you cordially.”