Zbliżenia Festival 2024

Event program

As part of the preparations for the 12th edition of the Jewish Culture Festival, for the first time since the war, the process of preparations for the green commemoration of the cemetery in Wrzeszcz was undertaken, in cooperation with several partners: the Zapomniane Foundation, Formy Wspólne, FestivALT and the Culture Zbliżenia Foundation in Gdańsk. The initiative focused on commemorative and ecological works at this historic Jewish cemetery, emphasizing the role of local partnerships in preserving Jewish heritage.

The Culture Zbliżenia Foundation initiated several initiatives related to the 12th edition of the Jewish Culture Festival, which took place on September 11–15, 2024. The aim of the festival was to present Jewish culture and restore the memory of the local Jewish community. The program included concerts, workshops, book discussions and events that emphasized Polish-Jewish-German relations, with particular emphasis on the role of women in contemporary Judaism. The overarching goals were cultural exchange, education and supporting tolerance in various spheres of social and cultural life.

The commemorative activities around the cemetery in Wrzeszcz have effectively revived the memory of this important place of Jewish heritage. Through involvement in cleaning works, educational events and intergenerational dialogue, the initiative not only celebrated the past but also strengthened the sense of shared responsibility for preserving this heritage. Participants, from students to members of the Jewish community of Gdańsk, demonstrated an ongoing commitment to Jewish cultural memory, tolerance and historical awareness. This cooperation laid the foundation for further educational and commemorative activities around Jewish heritage in Gdańsk, ensuring continuous cultural exchange and efforts for preservation.