For Municipalities and governmental institutions
Cities Embracing Jewish Heritage
Join the Cities Embracing Jewish Heritage Initiative
Cities, municipalities and other governmental institutions across Europe are warmly invited to join the Cities Embracing Jewish Heritage (CEJH) initiative, a programme led by the European Association for the Preservation and Promotion of Jewish Culture and Heritage within the framework of the European Days of Jewish Culture 2026.
Launched in 2024, CEJH supports local authorities in activating Jewish heritage as a dynamic resource to:
– promote Jewish heritage and life
– counter antisemitism and hate speec
– strengthen social cohesion and inclusion
– foster intercultural and interreligious dialogue
Following a successful first cycle (2024–2025), the initiative has engaged cities across Europe, demonstrating how local actions can generate meaningful and lasting social impact.
What Participating Cities Receive
Municipalities and public institutions benefit from:
– expert guidance and mentoring
– access to a European network of cities and professionals
– increased visibility and communication support
– educational and programmatic resources
Each participating city develops its own initiative, tailored to its local context. Activities may include exhibitions, heritage tours, public events, educational programmes, concerts, or community dialogues.
2026 Theme: LOVE
The 2026 Cities Embracing Jewish heritage invites cities to explore LOVE as a unifying theme, highlighting empathy, shared values, and cross-cultural and cross-community dialogue.
Key Information
– Optional Info Session: 12 May 2026 (12:00 CET)
– Application Period: 4 May – 31 July 2026
– Grants: up to €1,000 (€700 for smaller cities)
– Selection Process: July – August 2026
– Implementation Period: September – November 2026
Cities are encouraged to express their interest and connect with the CEJH team. Dedicated support is provided throughout the entire process, from concept development to implementation.
For any questions or information, please do not hesitate to contact us at cities@jewisheritage.org
CEJH - Registration form: Optional Info Session
Thank you for showing interest in participating in the European Days of Jewish Culture!
Possible event activities might include exhibitions, tributes to notable Jewish figures, concerts featuring Jewish music or composers, food festivals, public art displays, educational workshops, Jewish heritage tours, interfaith initiatives, panels, and more.
For additional inspiration, explore past editions of the festival.
We are able to allocate between 500 and 1000 EUR for your initiative, and we can cover: production costs: technical equipment, technicians, movie rights, design and printing of exhibition, concerts (musicians), honoraria for lectures, panelists, tour guides, production of book promotion, etc.
Timeline:
– May 4 – July 31, 2026. The application process is open.
– August 2026, we will inform you about your application, and 50% of the approved budget will be transferred to your municipality.
– Reporting is due on the 15th of October 2026, and the final payment will be made by the end of November 2025.
– The second part of the funding is transferred to your municipality
We welcome all initiatives that enhance the visibility of Jewish heritage, innovation, and creativity. Events and activities should take place from September to November 2026.
Feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns. We also offer mentoring and online meetings upon request. The contact person for the project is Sonja Vilicic: cities@jewisheritage.org
Cities across Europe are opening their doors to Jewish heritage. Become part of a growing network that values memory, diversity, and cultural exchange.
