Celebrating 20 Years of Jewish Heritage, Dialogue, and Exchange Across Europe
Strasbourg, January 23, 2025 – The European Association for the Preservation and Promotion of Jewish Culture and Heritage (AEPJ) marked its 20th anniversary with an extraordinary gathering at the Council of Europe, bringing together approximately 100 distinguished guests, including ambassadors, prominent members of the French Jewish heritage sector, representatives of the Council of Europe, and AEPJ members from across Europe, including Greece, Georgia, Italy, Spain, Germany, Lithuania, and Belgium.
The event featured an inspiring opening session with speeches by Mr. François Moyse, President of the AEPJ, who stated, “Over these two decades, we have built bridges between cultures and generations, from Spain to Poland, from Italy to Lithuania across the European continent. This date is more than just a celebration, it is a recognition of the collective efforts made to preserve and promote Jewish heritage as an integral part of European culture and our shared history.” Other distinguished speakers included Mr. Björn Berge, Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe, who highlighted the importance of cultural routes in fostering mutual understanding and dialogue among European citizens, stating, “It gives us opportunities for learning, intercultural dialogue and building a shared understanding of history. This Association has done exceptional work to preserve and promote Jewish culture not only keeps it alive, but also renew and reinvigorate it. This is exactly what the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe were established for.” Mr. Eric Thill, Minister of Culture of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, emphasized the relevance of heritage in today’s society, adding, “We live in a time when democratic values are under pressure, and this is precisely why the culture of memory is so essential today. The work of the AEPJ is an outstanding example putting Jewish heritage at the centre of actions, contributing not only to the preservation of our shared history, but also to the promotion of tolerance and mutual respect.”
The opening session also featured addresses by Ms. Irena Guidikova, Head of the Democratic Institutions and Freedoms Department at the Council of Europe, Ms. Gabrielle Rosner-Bloch, Regional Councilor for Culture and Heritage of the Grand Est Region of France, and Ms. Catherine Trautmann, former Minister of Culture of France and City Councilor of Strasbourg, each offering their perspectives on the importance of preserving Jewish cultural heritage in the European context.
The day continued with an engaging round table on medieval Jewish heritage in Europe, moderated by David Weis, Deputy Director of the Luxembourg Archaeological Research Institute. The session featured insightful contributions from Carole Wenner, historian specializing in the representation of Jews in medieval art in the Rhine region, Karin Sczech, archaeologist and heritage officer of the City of Erfurt, who discussed the medieval Jewish built heritage of Erfurt recently designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and Javier Castaño, historian, who explored the textual heritage of Sepharad and its broader cultural impact. The session sparked a lively debate with the audience, focusing on critical and fundamental issues related to strategies for promoting and protecting Jewish heritage in Europe.
Two particularly touching and emotional moments of the celebration were a heartfelt tribute to Claude Bloch, Honorary President of AEPJ, recognizing her invaluable contributions to the organization, and the presentation of a retrospective video that illustrated key milestones in the association’s journey, highlighting the development of its flagship initiatives, the European Days of Jewish Culture and the European Routes of Jewish Heritage.
The celebration concluded with a visit to the Synagogue de la Paix and a guided walking tour exploring Jewish life in medieval Strasbourg, offering participants a unique opportunity to connect with the city’s rich Jewish heritage. The day’s events culminated in a distinguished reception hosted by Ambassador Patrick Engelberg at the Residence of the Permanent Representation of Luxembourg, providing an opportunity for further networking and reflection on the successes of the past 20 years.
AEPJ’s 20th anniversary celebration was not only a moment of reflection on past achievements but also a reaffirmation of its commitment to the future, strengthening its role as a key player in the preservation and promotion of Jewish heritage across Europe.
