Ettore Ovazza

Ettore Ovazza was a prominent Italian Jewish banker, born in 1892. He played a significant role in the country's financial sector and was also a key figure in the political landscape of Italy during the early 20th century. Ovazza's personal and professional connections extended to the highest echelons of power, including a close friendship with Benito Mussolini, the fascist dictator of Italy. As a strong supporter of Italian fascism, Ovazza was an early financier of Mussolini's rise to power.

Ovazza's life took a tragic turn during World War II. Despite the German occupation of Italy, he chose to remain in the country, believing that his position would be restored after the war. However, this decision ultimately proved fatal. In 1943, following the fall of Mussolini's government, Ovazza, along with his wife and children, was killed by SS troops near the Swiss border. This devastating event marked the end of a life that had been deeply entwined with the complex and tumultuous history of Italy during the fascist era. Ovazza was also the founder of La nostra bandiera, an anti-Zionist journal that reflected his complex and multifaceted worldview.