Ireland’s small Jewish community is enthusiastically continuing to share its cultural heritage, particularly in Dublin. Here’s our interview with Yvonne Altman O’Connor, director of the Irish Jewish Museum…
Jguideeurope: Are you participating in the EDJC this year? If so, which events will be organized in Dublin?
Yvonne Altman O’Connor: The museum usually participates in the EDJC programme by putting on at least one event. Due to lack of personnel and resources, no special plan has as yet been made for our participation this year but the museum will advertise the day on our website and during open hours at the museum.
Are there other cultural events scheduled for 2026-7?
Yes, the museum participates in the local Heritage week event (August) and the Annual Bloomsday Festival (June) but has also various events of talks, book launches and gatherings throughout the year. This year, we participated in the first Jewish Culture Month as organised by the Board of Deputies of British Jews. A special event is planned for October 18th with an award-winning Yiddish music project based on Holocaust poetry featuring “Silent Tears: The Last Yiddish Tango” and Lenka Lichtenberg’s “Thieves of Dreams: Songs of Theresienstadt’s Secret Poetess”.
Has the museum received new objects and documents recently?
The museum receives various important documents and photographs related to the history of Jews in Ireland on an on-going basis. We have also received a gift of some etchings by the artist Estella Solomons to add to our Solomons family collection.
Do you feel there’s tikkun olam willingness demonstrated in the sharing Jewish heritage after those difficult 3 years?
Yes, we are always pleased with the interest, support and goodwill shown, especially by our non-Jewish visitors to the museum.