Rome, February 15 – The Council of the Union of Italian Jewish Communities (UCEI) has elected Livia Ottolenghi as its new president. This appointment follows the nine-and-a-half-year presidency of Noemi Di Segni, who led the Union through a “complex period full of changes for the life of Italian Judaism,” as stated in the UCEI’s announcement.
Who is Livia Ottolenghi?
Livia Ottolenghi, 63, a Roman native, is married with three children and serves as a professor of Odontology at Sapienza University of Rome. She has been actively involved in Jewish institutions for many years, including nurseries, schools, Cers, and the UCEI. During her time as Councillor for School and Education, she collaborated with internal and external pedagogy and training experts, as well as with leadership and relevant institutions, coordinating youth empowerment initiatives.
Elected with the Habait list, Ottolenghi secured an absolute majority with a project for broad governance that is representative of all factions within the council.
Greetings from Italian Institutions
Italian institutions have extended their congratulations to the new president. Alessandro Giuli, the Minister of Culture, stated, “Best wishes to Livia Ottolenghi, the new President of the Union of Italian Jewish Communities, with whom we are certain the Ministry of Culture will have fruitful collaboration, as has always been the case with her predecessors. A warm greeting and thanks to Noemi Di Segni.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani expressed his readiness to “collaborate with determination to strengthen the common commitment to combating all forms of antisemitism, promoting dialogue, and keeping alive the memory of the victims of the Shoah, so that remembrance is a shared responsibility and the foundation of a more conscious and just future.”
Ignazio La Russa, President of the Senate of the Republic, also offered his well wishes: “I extend my sincere best wishes for good work to Livia Ottolenghi, the new President of the Union of Italian Jewish Communities, called to a position of great responsibility. Sincere thanks to Noemi Di Segni for her commitment and service over these nine years at the helm of the UCEI.”
The election of Livia Ottolenghi marks a new chapter for the Union of Italian Jewish Communities, with expectations for continued engagement and representation within Italian society.
