About this talk

France currently has the largest Jewish population in Europe. Paris-born Emmanuelle Stein will describe what pluralistic Judaism looks like through the eyes of a young Jewish woman and human rights activist.

She will provide an overview of the Jewish presence in France from the Middle Ages to the present day, including the several waves of immigration (mainly from Eastern Europe and North Africa) that make up most of today's community. French Jewish history alternated between periods of tolerance and prosperity and the ordeal of insecurity and anti-Semitism, with both phenomena sometimes coexisting in parallel. We will also learn about the story of her family in France, before, during, and after the Second World War.

Finally, Emmanuelle will tell us about her experience nowadays in Paris, working for the Reform Movement and as the Director of the NGO "Exilophone," dedicated to integrating refugees.

A compelling journey enriched with artistic elements and full of anecdotes.

About Emmanuelle

Emmanuelle Stein was born in Paris, France, where she was deeply connected to Jewish life through school and youth movements. She graduated with a Master's degree in International Relations, Humanitarian Aid, and International Development from the Sorbonne and completed training in Cultural Entrepreneurship.

She has many years of experience working with refugees and has also worked for the FSJU (Fonds Social Juif Unifié – Unified Jewish Social Fund) as a project manager for youth programs. In April 2018, she founded the NGO "Exilophone," dedicated to integrating refugees through arts and music. Currently, she works for the Reform Movement and serves as the director of the Talmud Torah.