Heritage and Commitment: Jewish Diaspora Trajectories through Our Eyes
This special morning event invites English speaking retirees to reflect on questions of Jewish identity, activism, memory, and Zionism. It will also open a space for personal reflection, as many of the participants have themselves followed a trajectory from the diaspora to Israel. What parts of their identity have they carried with them? What commitments have evolved or remained? How have Jews balanced heritage, identity, and political engagement — and what echoes can we hear today, especially for those of who have chosen to build your future in Israel like you? How do you see yourselves in their experiences, how do you feel different? What aspects of their struggles and commitments remain relevant, and what has changed in your own journey?
Program:
- 10:00 AM – Welcome & Screening of the film: Romania Romania – Searching For Schwartz (Hebrew subtitles). Yale Strom, a filmmaker and an American Jewish musician and singer wife Elizabeth Schwartz in a musical roots trip to Romania, where Elizabeth’s grandfather was born . Yale, one of the leaders of the revival of Jewish klezmer music tells how he rediscovered the klezmer music. The couple met in Romania with Klezmer music players, Jews and non-Jews. Radu Gabrea Studio 2008. The Oster Visual Documentation Center, ANU – Museum of the Jewish People. Courtesy of Yale Strom.
- 11:15 AM – Guest-Led Discussion & Light Brunch
A dialogue to explore how the challenges faced by these Jews still resonate today—offering space for intergenerational and diasporic reflection. - 12:00 PM – Guided Tour of the Museum
A visit focusing on the themes of diaspora identity, Jewish diversity, and continuity across generations.
