The magnificent Côte d’Azur, its long beaches and its persistent sun, but also its historical monuments, which welcome you for numerous events organized on the occasion of the European Days of Jewish Culture. Meeting with Régine Bessis, President of the European Days of the Côte d’Azur.
Jguideeurope: How do you perceive the evolution of the interest shown over the past year in the Jewish cultural heritage of the Côte d’Azur and Corsica?
Régine Bessis: It is too early to say because our actions start in September 2024, we will be able to take stock of attendance, but the number of contributors and donations is increasing and that is quite reassuring. Furthermore, some Mayors of the region help us with historical research, in order to create new routes in partnership with Heritage Services.
Can you share a moving memory with a participant from these previous days?
During the visit to the Nice Ghetto 4 years ago, a couple showed their interest in our action and encouraged us to continue. Today, we have created a partnership with the Radio that Laurent Martine from Fremond-Bedoucha created: “ENJOY RADIO, FRESH AND LOVE” where he promotes our events daily!
From now on, a growing group of faithful also follows us for other events that we offer them (concerts, visits, meetings) throughout the year. At their request, we are considering organizing cultural trips on a Jewish theme in Europe and we are trying to open new places to visit in the region.
What event will open the JECJ?
We start with a visit to the Nice Ghetto, on September 15, at 10 a.m. The route begins at the Deloye Synagogue in Nice and continues in Old Nice and the Château Cemetery.
What other events are planned?
Many events are organized in the region.
ANTIBES
– September 22: visit to the synagogue and mikveh (2 p.m. to 5 p.m.). Hallot-making workshop at the Israelite Community Center (5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.).
CANNES
– September 22: visit to the Great Synagogue and the mikveh (2 p.m. to 5 p.m.).
– September 29: memory tour at the Jewish cemetery by Frédéric Vincent (10 a.m.).
– November 11: concert by the duo Maya & Matan, as part of the Jazz n’Klezmer festival (7 p.m.).
NICE
– September 22: visit to the Great Synagogue and the mikveh (2 p.m. to 5 p.m.). Concert by the Golberg Trio at the Deloye synagogue (8:15 p.m.).
– September 25: Conference “The Jewish Family in all its forms” at the FSJU (7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.). Debates led by Pierre Abraham, with Nicole Prieur and Avraham Vanwetter.
– September 30: Conference “Genealogy of the Jewish family through time” by Alain Nedjar at the Jean Kling Community Center (7 p.m.).
– November 17: Shabbat dinner at the Michelet Center (12 p.m.).
– November 24: Tour in English of the Nice Ghetto with historian Robert Levitt.
