About this talk

This talk explores the Jewish history of Oslo, tracing the community's roots from the first arrivals in the mid-19th century, when Jews were legally permitted to reside in the kingdom, to the present day. We'll look at how Jewish families built cultural, religious, and economic life in the city, how the community was affected by World War II and the Holocaust, and we will also cover the miraculous survival of an Oslo Synagogue during the war. An interesting aspect of the Norwegian Jewish community is how traditions and identity have been preserved and revitalized in contemporary Oslo, some of these traditions are completely unique to this Nordic environment. Through my personal family history, historical documents, and cultural landmarks, the talk highlights both resilience and continuity within Oslo's Jewish community. We will also connect Oslo to the "broader Norway" as well as to the story of the Jews of Sweden.

About Helene