The European Days of Jewish Culture 2024 will officially commence on the 1st of September, with a grand inauguration in Erfurt, Germany. This year’s festival, themed “Family,” will offer a rich variety of cultural activities across Europe, celebrating Jewish heritage through the lens of family traditions and histories.

This year’s opening ceremony will be particularly special as it coincides with the recent inclusion of Erfurt’s Jewish-Medieval heritage on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Following the decision by the World Heritage Committee in Riyadh on September 17, 2023, Erfurt’s Old Synagogue, Mikveh, and the “Stone House” have been recognized as sites of outstanding universal value. This prestigious title marks Erfurt as an essential part of human heritage, boosting its significance in international tourism and cultural preservation. The AEPJ is immensely proud to celebrate this achievement alongside the inauguration of the EDJC 2024.

In addition to honoring Erfurt’s UNESCO designation, the opening ceremony will also celebrate the inclusion of the Medieval Ashkenaz Route in the European Routes of Jewish Heritage, certified by the Institute of Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe. The Medieval Ashkenaz Route aims to connect several cities in central Germany highlighting the medieval Jewish heritage (including many locations recognized by UNESCO) as an integral part of the legacy of the medieval German society. This new route seeks to create a cohesive network of sites that reflect the rich cultural and historical contributions of the Ashkenazi communities in medieval Europe.

The inauguration day in Erfurt includes a mix of public and private events. From 14:00 to 16:00, there will be presentations on Max Cars Platz, where the European Routes of Jewish Heritage, including the Medieval Ashkenaz Route, will be introduced to the public. This will be followed by a concert at 20:00 in the Small Synagogue, titled ‘Songs from the Heart – Acoustic Show’ by the Israeli singer-songwriter FLORA.

At 16:30, a special invitation-only ceremony will be held in the New Synagogue. The program for this exclusive event includes performances by Alan Bern from Yiddish Summer Weimar and speeches by distinguished guests including Reinhard Schramm, JLGT Chairman; Andreas Horn, Lord Mayor of Erfurt; François Moyse, President of AEPJ; and Mrs. Walsmann, a member of the European Parliament from Erfurt.