Italy’s Jewish community is asking that the government remove from schools, libraries and other public buildings the name of King Victor Emanuel III, who approved Italy’s racial laws and reigned during Italy’s fascist regime.

The request follows dismay by some in Italy’s Jewish community over the return to Italy of the king’s remains last month, 71 years after Italians rejected the monarchy and the royals went into exile.

Community leader Noemi Di Segni wrote Culture Minister Dario Franceschini asking that he change the names of schools and libraries bearing the name of the king who “abandoned Italians to their destiny.” In the message Wednesday on the Jewish community’s blog, she complained about a campaign by the House of Savoy to rehabilitate the king’s image by bringing his remains back.

(AP)