European Days of Jewish Culture meeting in Barcelona successfully sets stage for the 2025 Festival
The annual European Days of Jewish Culture Organisers & Coordinators Meeting, organized by the European Association for the Preservation and Promotion of Jewish Culture and Heritage (AEPJ), concluded successfully in Barcelona on March 26, 2025, drawing more than 50 enthusiastic participants from across Europe. Over two days of vibrant sessions at the innovative Ca l’Alier venue in Barcelona’s Poblenou district, organizers shared insights, formed new partnerships, and prepared strategies for the upcoming 2025 festival.
The event began with a warm institutional welcome from AEPJ Director Victor Sorenssen and AEPJ General Secretary Assumpció Hosta, along with local representatives, including Sara Belbeida, Commissioner for Citizen Relations and Cultural and Religious Diversity of the Barcelona City Council, and leaders of Barcelona’s Jewish communities, Bryan Blacher (CIB.CAT) and Silvia Leida (ATID). These opening remarks highlighted the commitment to strengthening intercultural dialogue and reinforcing the visibility of Jewish heritage across Europe.
Keynote speaker Donna Dina Eliezer from the Rabbinic Library of Izmir set the tone with her compelling presentation titled “People of the Book and the Power of Preservation,” emphasizing the enduring significance of Jewish texts and heritage preservation. Additionally, Itana Prljevic from the European Heritage Days discussed opportunities for collaboration, emphasizing shared values and potential for joint initiatives.
Participants enjoyed vibrant discussions, including the panel “Jewish Literature in the Spanish-Speaking World,” featuring renowned speakers: poet and literary translator Aurelio Major, writer and editor Valerie Miles, Jewish contemporary literature specialist David Aliaga, and journalist and literary translator Paul Sánchez Keighley. The dialogue offered deep insights into contemporary literary landscapes and Jewish narratives.
The first day concluded with the thought-provoking panel “Women and the Tanach: A Personal Perspective,” presented by Sonja Viličić (CEJH Project Manager), Rabbi Irene Muzás Calpe (ATID Barcelona Jewish Community), Olga Lempert (National Library of Israel Project Manager), and Lena Rubenfeld (FestivALT Artistic Director), followed by an insightful lecture by writer and journalist Bilal Dídac P. Lagarriga on the intersections between Judaism and Islam. A poetry open mic concluded the day’s activities, fostering a warm and creative atmosphere among attendees with the outstanding presence of poets Paul Sánchez Keighley, Maia Evrona and Rafael Azram.
The second day provided practical sessions led by EDJC Project Managers Federico Szarfer and Sonja Viličić, focusing on logistics, organizational tips, and insights into the Cities Embracing Jewish Heritage initiative. Interactive workshops facilitated by experts like Gastón Lisak, Robin Sclafani, Olga Lempert, and Lena Rubenfeld offered strategies on topics such as overcoming antisemitism through culture, enhancing exhibitions, and using art to communicate powerful stories of Jewish heritage.
Throughout the meeting, organizers took advantage of numerous networking opportunities, forming connections and exchanging best practices to strengthen the EDJC’s impact at the local level. The event culminated with a forward-looking Pitch & Connect Session, allowing attendees to propose and explore collaborative project ideas.
Participants departed Barcelona energized, equipped with fresh ideas, practical tools, and renewed enthusiasm for the upcoming festival. The EDJC 2025 will officially open on August 31st in Stockholm, coinciding with Sweden’s milestone celebration of 250 years of Jewish life. The successful meeting in Barcelona clearly set the stage for what promises to be another inspiring celebration of Jewish culture across Europe.
Recordings, presentations, and conclusions from the meeting will soon be made available on the event webpage, enabling participants and organizers to revisit the sessions and continue benefiting from the valuable exchanges and ideas shared during these two productive days.
