Over the last several months, news out of Europe regarding anti-Semitism has been very grave. In France, the anti-Semitic reverse Nazi salute known as the “quenelle” has become the rage, spreading into other European countries. Late last week, on Friday, several incidents took place in Rome that confirms the gradual rise of anti-Semitism in Europe.

The Israeli embassy in Rome, located in the wealthy area of Parioli, received boxes containing bloody pigs heads. Severed pig heads were also sent to the Rome synagogue and the Jewish Museum of Rome which is currently hosting an exhibit on the Holocaust. The package sent to the Rome synagogue was delivered Friday with a simultaneous phone call stating that a bomb had been placed on site of the synagogue.

The bomb squad was immediately dispatched to the synagogue where the bloody pig heads were discovered in the parcel. According to the Italian Repubblica, a letter accompanying the pig head contained derogatory comments about the Holocaust and made anti-Semitic references to Theodor Herzl. The police believe that the heads came from a local slaughterhouse and are checking fingerprints and DNA found on the boxes. Italian police confirmed that the local anti-terrorism squad would be handling the case.

The boxes are believed to have been sent to coincide with the International Commemoration Day in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust which will be on Monday, January 27. Rome mayor Ignazio Marino said on Twitter, “Those who insult the Jewish community offend Rome. We reject the intimidation outright.”

Nicola Zingaretti, president of Lazio, the region where Rome is located, stated, “This is a vile and cowardly act which offends the Jewish community and all Romans on the eve of the memorial day.”

Late Saturday, local media in Rome also reported the discovery of anti-Semitic graffiti sprayed on the outside of a municipal building. Corriere Della Sera reported that the graffiti read “the Holocaust is a lie” accompanied with a large swastika as well as “Anne Frank is a liar.”

Integration Minister Cecile Kyenge vowed to find those responsible behind the vile acts. “I want to express my full support to the Jewish community for what has happened,” he said. “We will do everything possible to find the person behind this unspeakable act.”