Reconstruction of the Jewish Community of Thessaloniki after WWII (1945-1955). Comparisons with the Rest of Europe

This course aims to explore the ways the once populous and thriving Jewish Community of Thessaloniki was reconstructed (institutions, economy and society) during the first decade (1945 - 1955) after the Second World War and the Nazi occupation. The focus is on the Greek case comparing to Europe and the reconstruction of Jewish communities there. • The debate was launched internationally in the 1980s and after the 1990 political change in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union, returned with new data and queries. • The genocide of the Jews and the return of those who survived fit within the broader historical context of the thousands of refugees created by the Second World War and the corresponding problems in societies. Thus Jew’s history becomes part of Europe's history. • In Greek historiography related research and discussion for survivors and the recovery started very recently. The importance lies in the fact that in this way both the genocide of the Jews and the restoration of the minimum rescued part, ceases to be one of the hitherto 'silences' and contribute to shaping a more complete picture of the era. • In this way historical research and collective memory become richer and more open

Objectives

After completing this course, students will be able to: - Describe and identify the historical circumstances within which the Jewish community of Thessaloniki was reconstructed after the war. - Describe and identify the historical circumstances within which Jewish communities in Europe were reconstructed, if they did. - Recognize and treat critically the multiple and different historiographical interpretations of this process. - To learn studying primary historical sources and produce historical arguments within which to explain causes of events, their results and long-term consequences. - Explain historical continuity and change.

Prerequisites

• Work in an interdisciplinary team • Appreciatediversity and multiculturality • Becritical and self-critical • Advance free, creative and causative thinking

Syllabus

not available