The European Days of Jewish Culture 2024 kicks off in Erfurt
Erfurt, Germany, September 1, 2024 – The European Association for the Preservation and Promotion of Jewish Culture and Heritage officially launched the European Days of Jewish Culture 2024 today in the historic New Synagogue of Erfurt. This year, the EDJC is set to be Europe’s most extensive cross-border Jewish cultural initiative, with hundreds of events scheduled in more than two dozen countries from September through November.
The inauguration ceremony in Erfurt was attended by a large delegation from the AEPJ’s Board of Directors, including President François Moyse, Treasurer Patrick Bikard, Secretary General Assumpció Hosta, and Honorary President Claude Bloch. There was also a strong presence of AEPJ members and colleagues from other cultural routes, highlighting the collaborative spirit and shared commitment to preserving Jewish heritage across Europe. The event underscored the significance of Jewish heritage in Europe, particularly the recognition of Erfurt’s medieval Jewish sites as a UNESCO World Heritage Site last year.
Erfurt, with its rich Jewish history, provided a fitting backdrop for this year’s opening. The city’s medieval Jewish complex—comprising the Old Synagogue, Mikveh, and the Stone House—was highlighted during the ceremony. These sites, now part of UNESCO’s World Heritage list, have become emblematic of Jewish resilience and cultural contribution in medieval Europe.
The ceremony also celebrated the inauguration of the Medieval Ashkenaz Route, a new addition to the European Routes of Jewish Heritage, certified by the Institute of Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe. This route connects cities in central Germany and beyond, including Erfurt, emphasizing the importance of medieval Jewish heritage in the region. The route aims to educate visitors about the Jewish communities that once flourished in these cities, contributing significantly to European culture.
The day’s events began with a guided tour of Erfurt’s Medieval Jewish Quarter, where participants explored the Old Synagogue, the Mikveh, and the Stone House, offering an intimate glimpse into the life and history of the medieval Jewish community in Erfurt. Following the tour, a series of presentations took place at Max Cars Platz, where the AEPJ introduced the new Medieval Ashkenaz Route. This session provided an overview of the route’s significance and its role in connecting and preserving Jewish heritage sites across Germany. The official opening ceremony was held at 4:30pm in the New Synagogue, featuring speeches from key figures, including Prof. Reinhard Schramm, Chairman of the Jewish Community of Thuringia, François Moyse, President of AEPJ, Dr. Tobias Knoblich, Erfurt’s Alderman for Culture, Urban Development, and World Heritage and Marion Walsmann, Member of the European Parliament. Musical performances by Dr. Alan Bern on piano and accordion, accompanied by violinist Mark Kovnatzkiy, added cultural depth to the ceremony.
Following the ceremony, attendees were treated to the “Songs from the Heart”, a concert by Israeli singer-songwriter Flora, held in the Small Synagogue. This performance provided a moving and fitting end to a day filled with cultural and educational experiences.
During the ceremony, special thanks were extended to Karin Sczech, Commissioner for the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Erfurt. Her dedicated work in preserving the Jewish archaeological heritage throughout Thuringia has been instrumental in bringing the city’s Jewish history to the forefront. The AEPJ expressed its gratitude to all who contributed to making this event a success and the numerous international guests who traveled to Erfurt for the occasion.
The EDJC continues to grow each year, bringing Jewish culture to the forefront of European consciousness. With events spanning across the continent, the festival not only celebrates Jewish heritage but also promotes understanding and demystification of Jewish life and history. As the festival moves forward, it remains committed to educating and inspiring people across Europe, ensuring that the rich tapestry of Jewish culture is shared with all. For more information on the events happening in different countries, please visit the official EDJC website.
