“Bridge Over Troubled Water”: Solidarity and Civic Responsibility in Times of Crisis
Session 1: A Nation Takes Action: Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the Rescue of the Jews in Denmark During the Holocaust
In these turbulent times, we find strength in the bonds we share with our friends as well as in our commitment to a mission of education, sharing inspiring stories of bravery and resilience, and eliminating all forms of hatred. The new Talking Memory series represents our unwavering commitment to maintaining meaningful connections with you, our friends from around the world, with the intention of cultivating a shared sense of unity among us. We believe that this series represents a powerful response to current events, while also serving as a profound testament to the strength of civil society today.
The first session, taking place on November 19, 2023, will feature the following an opening by Ambassador of Denmark to Israel, H.E. Thomas Winkler to open this special commemoration programme about a most incredible act of rescue. Bo Lidegaard, an historian who has researched the subject of the Danish rescue, presents a new explanation of the rescue based on more than ten years of historical research. Dr. Judith Goldstein, Founder and Executive Director Emeritus of ”Humanity in Action”, will introduce us to the work of the non-profit organisation, including the production of the animated documentary “Voices in the Void”, which is part of the film series Traces: Portraits of Resistance, Survival and Resolve. We will have the opportunity to see a screening of the film during the programme. Afterwards, Rabbi Jair Melchior, Chief Rabbi of Denmark, will share the story of his grandfather, Rabbi Bent Melchior who was rescued on one of the fishing boats who sailed to Sweden, in relation to the moral lessons and insights gained by learning about this unique example of rescue during the Holocaust.
This programme is in partnership with the Embassy of Denmark in Tel Aviv, Humanity in Action, the Danish Jewish Museum, the Johannesburg Holocaust & Genocide Centre, Classrooms without Borders, and the Rabin Chair Forum at George Washington University.
Register here.