About this talk

This conversation explores the history of Jewish Copenhagen: the triumphs, sorrows, and legacies of those who have long called Denmark home. We will discuss the arrival of the first Jews in Denmark in 1622 by invitation of King Christian IV. We'll explore the early years of Jews in Copenhagen and learn about important locations throughout the city, such as the Great Synagogue. We'll move into a discussion of World War ll as we learn about the rescue of Danish Jews by brave fishermen who helped to smuggle more than 95% of the Jewish population to safety in Sweden. A total of some 7,000 Danish Jews were a part of this miraculous rescue in 1943.

Our conversation will also discuss Jewish life in Copenhagen today, the issue of antisemitism, and the terror attack on a synagogue in 2015. We will also discuss how the influence of certain personalities and their history continues to impact the Jewish community of Copenhagen today. This presentation will deepen participants' understanding of Jewish Copenhagen, its history, its struggles, and insight into what it was and what it is to be Jewish in Denmark.

About Charlotte

Charlotte Thalmay is the founder and CEO of the tour company "Jewish Copenhagen", which is the largest company in Scandinavia promoting Jewish heritage tours.

In her tours, Charlotte shares the dramatic and inspiring journey of the Danish Jews focusing on her own family stories of survival, prosperity, and catastrophes.

She has a Bachelor degree in tourism from Roskilde University and is vice president of the Zionist Federation in Denmark.