Under the auspices of the Luxembourg Presidency of the Committee of Ministers, the European Association for the Preservation of Jewish Heritage (APEJ) is celebrating its 20th anniversary at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg. The event aims at underscoring the commitment to protect and promote the richness and diversity of Jewish heritage across Europe, recognised as Cultural route of the Council of Europe.
Welcoming the participants, the president of the AEPJ, François Moyse said: "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. "
The Minister of Culture of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Eric Thill, underlined his commitment to ensuring that culture is a central theme of the Luxembourg Presidency of the Council of Europe: "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 APEJ 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."
Congratulating the AEPJ on its twentieth anniversary, Deputy Secretary General Bjørn Berge recalled that the European Route of Jewish Heritage now brings together members from 24 European countries, including local, national and international cultural and heritage institutions. "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."
The programme included a round table discussion on Medieval Jewish Heritage in Europe, featuring renowned experts, as well as additional activities that showcased the depth and vibrancy of Jewish culture. Other speakers included Gabrielle Rosner-Bloch, Regional Councillor Delegate for Culture and Worship, Grand Est Region in France and Catherine Trautmann, former Minister of Culture of France, City Councillor of Strasbourg.
