Conference-IASTE & National University of Singapore

A few years ago, the new Jewish community in Hamburg demanded to rebuild one of their long-lost key synagogues in Grindel neighborhood, demolished in 1938 by the Nazis. A topic that has become controversial in the past few years. By tracing the history of the German Jews, and their emotional connection to some of their spaces in Hamburg, this paper provokes the controversy of whether to build or not to build the synagogue in Grindel.

Conference-University of Birmingham & Foundation for Jewish Heritage

For many Jews who once lived in Egypt, it is a past they do not want to forget. A history that goes back to Biblical times, when most of their rituals and symbols were derived from ancient Egypt. During the late 19th century and the first part of the 20th century under the umbrella of the monarchical ruling, Jewish residents enjoyed a period of high level of toleration and cultural symbiosis within the society.

Conference-University of Birmingham

History is important because it gives us the chance to understand our past, our present and even plan for our future. Sometimes, this history can evoke traumatised feelings from times of despair, it can be also awkward for public reconciliation with a positive identity, and that is why it is called ‘Dark Heritage’.