About this talk

The presence of Jews in Greece dates back to antiquity; it is one of the oldest Jewish communities in Europe, with a unique and multifaceted cultural heritage. Greece became a major center of Sephardi culture and was home to the distinctive Greek-speaking Romaniote community, as well as Jews who had taken refuge there from across Europe. On the eve of World War II, the Jewish population of Greece numbered around 80,000; however, the Holocaust decimated this community. Today, the Jewish community is working to preserve its remarkable heritage. In this exploration, we will delve into this ancient, diverse, and enduring Jewish culture that has spanned more than two millennia and continues to resonate in the modern era.

About Joseph

Joseph Michael Vardakis was born in Athens, Greece. He holds a B.A. in Psychology and an M.A. in Psychobiology, and he is currently completing his M.Sc. in Clinical Psychology. He has lived and studied in the UK, South Africa, and Israel, and he now resides in Athens.

Joseph has served as a student counsellor for the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration in Israel and has worked in an educational setting within the Jewish community of South Africa before beginning his academic studies. In his spare time, he offers themed tours in Athens, including visits to sites of Jewish interest.