The Jewish community of Oporto enjoys a growth, and a rise in the rediscovery of its history and enthusiastic organization of present cultural life. Here’s our interview with the persons in charge of Porto’s Jewish community.
Jguideeurope: Which events will be organized for the European Days of Jews Culture on Sep 1, 2024?
JC: The Jewish Museum will teach about Jewish history and the Inquisition. The Holocaust Museum will teach about Jewish refugees in Portugal. The Kadoorie synagogue (the largest in Iberian Peninsula) will be opened. The Painting Gallery will present two millennia of Jewish history in Portugal. The Jewish Museum Cinema will show 2 movies:
– The Lisbon Genocide of 1506
– The Portuguese Dreyfus (“Sefarad”)
There will also be a liturgical choir performing and kosher restaurants will be opened.
Do you perceive an evolution in the interest of the population towards Portuguese Jewish heritage?
No. The press doesn’t talk about it. Anyway, we are expecting to receive about 5000 people like in the recent years.
Are Oporto’s political, cultural and educational institutions participating in its sharing?
No. It is a private event. But we will invite the ministers of culture and education to be present.