Sara Funaro Becomes Florence's First Female and Jewish Mayor

Funaro, a center-left politician and advocate for inclusivity, overcame antisemitic attacks to lead the historic Italian city.

Sara Funaro, 48, was elected as Florence's mayor in 2024, making history as the first woman and first Jewish person to hold the position.
Funaro's campaign emphasized inclusivity, equality, and welfare, with proposals such as a minimum wage for city employees and expanded public childcare hours.
Her Jewish identity and support for Israel have drawn both antisemitic attacks and police protection, especially after the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel.
Despite her Jewish heritage, Funaro has not centered her political career on religion, instead focusing on Florence's diverse and historic community.
Her election is seen as a positive sign for Florence's Jewish community, which has faced a rise in antisemitism in recent years.