Chabad Emissary Attacked in Milan: They Ripped Off My Hat and Kicked Me

Rabbi Tzemach Mizrachi, 51, the Chabad emissary and rabbi of the central Chabad House in Milan, Italy, was attacked by three Muslim men while waiting at a bus stop in the city's Jewish quarter on his way to pick up his children from school.

Rabbi Mizrachi, an Israeli citizen who began his mission in Milan approximately 30 years ago, described the incident: "The three started provoking me and ripped off my hat. When I asked for it back, one of the attackers kicked me hard, sending me flying into the road, but thank G-d I didn't need medical treatment."

The three assailants were arrested and are currently being interrogated, while Rabbi Mizrachi himself remained at the police station for several hours. "I've been at the police station for several hours now for clarification and completion of the investigation. The officers took it very seriously, arrested the attackers immediately, and they'll remain in custody tonight," the rabbi said.

According to him, "lately the situation is such that you're starting to feel their presence in the streets more and more," but on the other hand, it appears the police are taking the matter very seriously. He added that he hopes the arrest of the three attackers will serve as a deterrent and bring calm.