Village of Justice

"When I heard the screams I was scared, but I didn't think about it for a moment because when you hear a person who is sick or who needs me it's impossible to stay still." It could be the subtitle of the ancient parable of the Samaritan who helps a wounded man on the street; instead it is today's history. About two months ago Giulia Leone, a Sicilian student in Bologna for study purposes, rescued one of her peers who was attacked by two men who were trying to rape her. With courage and determination she threw herself into the girl's defense, also involving other passers-by and forcing the men to flee from her. The gesture is described by herself with disarming simplicity: «It was a very significant experience, but staying there and comforting her was natural; I would like it to be like this for everyone, always."

Looking around, not turning your gaze in the face of violence, daring to expose yourself are certainly not easy issues to deal with, but it is the only way to truly build a more just world. For this reason the mayor of Bologna, Matteo Lepore, decided to reward her by giving her the "Giorgio Guazzaloca" medal for civic merit with these words: «She is an example of a person who has not looked the other way and reminds us how much Bologna does not must give in to indifference."

Today at the center of public debate is the theme of violence and in particular that social plague - unfortunately still widespread - which is violence against women. I think that the example of Giulia Leone and of many and many like her who do not look the other way is a necessary and strong response. We need education, we need friendship, we need the right company, we need prudence and we need courage, but above all we need a "village of justice": a place where everyone does their part is not a utopia, it is possible, but you have to want it and do it grow together, starting from small daily gestures! As often happens, someone has to start and her example can encourage even the weakest, to have a common step and all walk towards the same goal.

Roberto Lerda
NP December 2023