What is the future of Judaism in Denmark? (A Documentary examining history from the Holocaust in 1943 to modern life in 2016)
Undergraduate: Amanda Lalezarian
Faculty Advisor: Charlie Tuggle
Department: Journalism & Mass Communication
Who is a Danish Jew? What does it mean to be a Jew living in a traditionally Lutheran, yet secular, country? How do viewpoints and opinions vary between generations? While Copenhagen Jews are one of the most active and engaged religious groups in Scandinavia, living a fully Jewish life in Denmark has its fair share of challenges. The memory of the Holocaust has always been in the background as a warning sign of what could happen if things are not dealt with at the right time, and a recent terror attack in 2015 has left the city on high alert. ¿¿¿What is the future of Judaism in Denmark?¿¿¿ is a short documentary film that sheds light on the Danish Jews of Copenhagen, a small community that has remained intact despite facing obstacles in recent years. This project examines the future of Judaism in Denmark through personal testimony from various members of the Jewish community from a 14-year-old Bat Mitzvah girl to a 78-year-old Holocaust survivor. By analyzing the social, political and religious dimensions of this community, ¿¿¿What is the future of Judaism in Denmark?¿¿¿ is an open dialogue that allows Jewish Danes to speculate about the potential future of their beloved community in a time of increased uncertainty and strife.