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September 2023, Europe.
In the heart of Brussels, beneath the resplendent arches of the Grand Synagogue of Europe, the 2023 edition of the European Days of Jewish Culture (EDJC) came to life with a grand inauguration on September 3rd. As the strains of melodious Jewish music filled the air, a culturally enriching journey commenced, one that has now unfurled its vibrant tapestry of memories and heritage across Europe.
The EDJC 2023 Memory Edition Unites Europe
In a spectacle that set the tone for the festival’s upcoming events, the Grand Synagogue of Europe became a canvas for a communal celebration of Jewish culture and memory. The 2023 Memory edition of EDJC embraces the theme of “Memory,” delving deep into the history, traditions, and stories that form the bedrock of Jewish culture.
The second day of the 12th Annual Forum on Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe, held in Łódź, Poland, was dedicated to exploring the theme of “Social and Creative Dimensions of Cultural Heritage in a Post-Industrial Perspective” through a variety of sessions.
The first general session of the day focused on “Preserving and Revitalizing Post-Industrial Heritage.” During this session, the spotlight was on how the reuse, innovative design, and collaborative planning transformed abandoned factories and warehouses into vibrant cultural hubs, creative incubators, and community spaces.
One of the speakers in this session was François Moyse, President of AEPJ. He presented the AEPJ and discussed the relevance of the theme in the context of the Jewish heritage route. He highlighted significant examples and best practices in the field, both in terms of the diverse uses of heritage spaces and the bottom-up approach that involves local communities and institutions working together to showcase European Jewish heritage.
The XII Annual Forum of Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe, which is being held in Lodz, Poland, started yesterday under the theme: “Cultural Routes: Social and Creative Dimension of Cultural Heritage in a Post-Industrial Context.”
The 2023 Advisory Forum is organised by the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe (EPA) and the European Institute of Cultural Routes, in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage of the Republic of Poland. Participants from 40 EPA member states and representatives from 47 certified Cultural Routes are exploring “the role of cultural heritage in the construction of a peaceful and democratic society” within post-industrial societies and linking it with contemporary challenges to heritage posed by conflicts, natural disasters, and climate change.
Barcelona, 8 September, 2023 – Today marked a significant moment in the cultural calendar of Catalonia as the European Days of Jewish Culture (EDJC) were inaugurated at the Centre Excursionista de Catalunya in Barcelona. This event brought together a distinguished panel of guests, including Assumpció Hosta i Rebés, the Secretary-General of the European Association for the Preservation and Promotion of Jewish Culture and Heritage (AEPJ), Victor Sorenssen, the Director of AEPJ, and Daniela Rosenfeld, the Director of the Jewish Film Festival in Barcelona and coordinator of EDJC in Catalonia. The event was also graced by the presence of the Honorary Consul of Israel in Catalonia, Yosef David Sanchez-Molina, and Carles Armengol, the Director of Religious Affairs for the Generalitat of Catalonia.
Europe, September 3, 2023 – The European Days of Jewish Culture (EDJC) 2023 have commenced with an extraordinary celebration of Jewish heritage, culture, and memory across the continent. This year, under the theme of “Memory” and with the invaluable support of the European Commission’s Citizens, Equality, Rights, and Values program (CERV), the esteemed patronage of UNESCO, and a fruitful collaboration with the National Library of Israel the EDJC 2023 is proving to be a poignant and enriching cultural journey.
The festival officially launched on Sunday, September 3, with more than 230 activities spanning 63 cities across 20 countries. This inaugural day witnessed the enthusiastic participation of an estimated 40,000 individuals. While the festival’s activities extend until the end of November, accommodating the diverse schedules and unique characteristics of each participating region, the significance of this first day cannot be overstated.
Brussels, 3 September 2023 – This Sunday afternoon, the AEPJ (European Association for the Preservation and Promotion of Jewish Culture and Heritage) was proud to inaugurate the 24th edition of the European Days of Jewish Culture (EDJC), the annual festival of Jewish heritage and culture, from the Great Synagogue of Europe. This year, the festival is dedicated to the theme of “Memory,” — a profound exploration of the past that shapes our present and guides our future. It is a concept deeply embedded in the history and culture of Judaism, representing both personal recollections and collective commemorations of significant events. The festival provides a platform to explore the multifaceted dimensions of Memory and to reflect on the historical journey of the Jewish people.
BRUSSELS — 30 August 2023
François Moyse, AEPJ President, was interviewed regarding the Opening Ceremony to the European Days of Jewish Culture 2023, which will occur this Sunday, the 3rd of September 2023 at the Great Synagogue of Europe.
Mr. Moyse introduced the radio host, Lise Benkemoun, to the mission of the AEPJ prior to sharing information regarding the program planned for the Opening Ceremony. As he explained, multiple representatives of European institutions, including UNESCO and the European Commission, are scheduled to speak about the importance of Jewish culture and heritage in the European context, especially as a means of fostering dialogue and participating actively in the fight against antisemitic prejudices.
Additionally, musicians will be present to play a wide-ranging set of pieces, which will speak to the diverse nature of experiences and ideas associated with the theme of Jewish memory.
Excitement is building as organisers and coordinators of the European Days of Jewish Culture are putting the finishing touches on an annual celebration that highlights the richness of Jewish culture and heritage across the European continent.
Scheduled to take place on 3 September, 2023, the Opening Ceremony of the European Days of Jewish Culture will launch this year’s edition of the European Days of Jewish Culture. The ceremony is set to take place at the emblematic Grande Synagogue de l’Europe in Brussels. This choice of venue is of particular significance, as it is one of the main seats of the European Union, and it testifies to the vital role of Jewish culture in fostering understanding and collaboration between European communities.
In a momentous stride forward, the European Days of Jewish Culture 2023 has been granted the prestigious UNESCO patronage for its upcoming festival. This remarkable acknowledgment not only underscores the significance of preserving cultural diversity and historical memory but also pays tribute to the dedicated EDJC organizers and coordinators who have tirelessly nurtured the festival’s growth.
The UNESCO patronage holds profound implications, signifying the profound resonance between the festival’s objectives and UNESCO’s mission to safeguard cultural heritage and foster cross-cultural dialogue. This milestone achievement can be traced back to the EDJC Organizers & Coordinators Meeting, a pivotal event held earlier this year in Paris. During this gathering, participants were privileged to visit UNESCO’s headquarters, engaging in purposeful sessions designed to deepen their understanding of the organization’s endeavors and their connection to the European Days of Jewish Culture.