FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:   Elissa Ruffino (NIAF) 202/939-3106 or elissa@niaf.org

Attributed to Joseph V. Del Raso, Esq., National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) President.

“On behalf of the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) Board of Directors, and the Italian American community, we send our heartfelt condolences to the family of Melissa Bassi, the 16-year-old girl killed in the senseless bombing of the Francesca Laura Morvillo Falcone Vocational School in Brindisi in Southern Italy on Saturday, and to the families of those who perished in Sunday’s earthquake in Northern Italy near Bologna.

“Our thoughts and prayers are also with those injured in the school bombing and earthquake, as well as with the thousands left homeless amid the rubble in the earthquake’s aftermath.

“We are saddened by the loss of life, suffering and devastation caused by the earthquake. Natural disasters are difficult to fathom. But more deeply disturbing are sickening crimes against humanity such as the bombing of the girls school in Brindisi that has shocked Italy and horrified the rest of the civilized world. As a bridge between the United States and Italy, NIAF expresses its support and solidarity with the nation and people of Italy in these troubling days.”

Washington, D.C. 2012

The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is a non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C., dedicated to preserving the heritage of Italian Americans. Visit www.niaf.org.