European Jewry Stories
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Visiting the Jewish Community in Serbia
Anti-Semitism Conference in Belgium
Unique Jewish Community in Finland Struggle for
Russian Jewry on Show The Hidden Jews of Poland |
The war in Serbia is over and the nation is struggling to redefine its
identity in the post Milosevich era. Serbian leaders called on Israel and
the Jewish world for support in rebuilding their battered country. A high
level delegation visited Serbia to examine the needs of the new government
and to assist the tiny Serbian Jewish Community. Running time: 5.01
minutes
Anti Semitism has once again raised its ugly head in Western Europe. Jewish Leaders from around the world met in Belgium to discuss this growing phenomenon and to find methods of combating racial hatred in the 21st century. Specialists from around the world, Jewish and Gentile alike, explored the role of the European Governments and democratic societies in the war against anti-Semitism and the appropriate response of the Jewish Community. Running time: 5.06 minutes
The Jews of Finland are so few that most Finns regard them as a curiosity rather than a minority.
At present the Jewish community of Helsinki
is thriving, bolstered by new immigrants from the former Soviet
Union and Israel. Despite a 95% rate of intermarriage, Synagogue attendance and the enrollment in the Jewish school has increased.
Running time: 3.00 minutes
It's been called the spark that set in motion the collapse of the Soviet Union, and prompted that country’s historic transformation to a free society. An exhibition on the epic history of Russian Jewry's struggle for freedom is on display in Tel Aviv’s Beth Hatefutsot (Museum of the Jewish Diaspora). Called "Jews of Struggle," the show marks the 40th anniversary of the movement which changed the history of Israel and the rest of the world, bringing freedom and new beginnings to millions. We interview Natan Sharansky, who gives us his insights into this historic exodus that brought almost one million Russian Jews to Israel, including many elderly Holocaust survivors.
There were approximately 4 million Jews in Poland before the
Holocaust. Today the community numbers no more than a few thousand,
but is growing steadily due to the hundreds of Polish citizens who
have recently discovered their Jewish roots. Many of these "Hidden
Jews" said that after growing up as gentiles, not only were they
shocked by the revelation but knowing that they are Jews has
dramatically changed their lives. They are gradually returning to
their new/old religion. We visit with one family and we hear
from the Chief Rabbi of Poland and Israel. The last time the Rabbinical
Association of Poland met was over seventy years ago.
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