Creation of the new EDJC Committee and key plans for 2025 festival
The AEPJ is excited to announce the creation of the European Days of Jewish Culture Committee, which convened for its inaugural meeting on November, 2024. This new body is set to play a pivotal role in enhancing the coordination and strategic planning of the annual EDJC festival, ensuring its continued impact as a platform for celebrating and promoting Jewish heritage across Europe.
The committee, comprised of representatives from national coordinating organizations across the continent and the National Library of Israel, aims to foster closer collaboration among national coordinators and local organizers. Its primary objectives include developing a comprehensive long-term work plan for the EDJC, streamlining reporting and evaluation processes, and implementing more advanced planning for the festival’s annual themes. The members also seek to explore innovative ways to connect audiences with Jewish culture, ensuring the festival remains both relevant and engaging.
This first meeting brought together a dynamic group of participants, including the Honorary President of AEPJ, and representatives from coordinating organizations such as JECPJ-France, B’nai B’rith UK, the Federation of Jewish Communities in the Czech Republic, the Lithuanian Jewish Community, the Unione delle Comunità Ebraiche Italiane, the Burgenländische Forschungsgesellschaft and the National Library of Israel. AEPJ Director and EDJC Project Manager also contributed to the discussions, highlighting the importance of collaboration and inclusivity in shaping the future of the festival.
One of the committee’s immediate priorities is the selection of the annual theme for EDJC 2025, which will set the tone for the festival’s activities and public engagement. The chosen theme will play a central role in guiding the festival’s content and outreach efforts, ensuring alignment with the overarching mission of showcasing Jewish heritage as an integral part of European culture.
In addition to this key task, the committee confirmed important dates for the 2025 festival. The EDJC Organisers & Coordinators Meeting will take place in Barcelona on March 25-26, 2025, offering a vital opportunity for knowledge exchange, training, and planning among festival organizers. Meanwhile, the Opening Ceremony of the EDJC 2025 will be held on September 7, 2025, in Stockholm, Sweden, coinciding with the country’s celebration of 250 years of Jewish life: a landmark event in the European Jewish cultural calendar.
The establishment of the EDJC Committee represents a significant step forward in the evolution of the festival, reinforcing its commitment to collaboration, innovation, and excellence. With the active involvement of diverse stakeholders and the guidance of the committee, the EDJC is poised to continue growing as a key cultural initiative that fosters dialogue and highlights the rich tapestry of Jewish heritage across Europe.
