A demonstration protesting Israel’s role as guest of honor at the Turin Book Fair proceeded without incident.
Several thousand people carrying pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel banners marched through the Italian city Saturday afternoon. The turnout was lower than predicted.
The Italian media had warned of possible clashes. As many as 2,000 police lined the route, and shopkeepers closed their shutters.
“In the end it was a tempest in a teapot,” said Jewish commentator David Sorani.
Book fair organizers, however, said attendance at the fair was sharply down Saturday, probably due to visitors staying away for fear of violence. The fair honored Israel and Israeli writers.
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