In 2022, depolarize.fi inquires what we can learn from history as we work for equity in society today. For this, we are organising a series of dialogues that will explore the histories of different civil rights struggles in Finland. What happened when changes for the better were made? What struggles and forms of resistance have different groups and diaspora communities undertaken to gain recognition for their rights, to improve their living conditions and well-being, and to preserve their distinctiveness?
We welcome all those interested in learning more and sharing knowledge in these issues. The idea is to gather, to encounter new histories and peoples, to exchange ideas and to celebrate being together in difference.
The event series is organised by Miriam Attias & Giovanna Esposito Yussif and hosted by the Museum of Impossible Forms. The project is funded by Kone Foundation. The next events will take place on wed 20.4, wed 11.5, wed 1.6, an wed 15.6. Save the dates!
Session 2: The Finnish Jewish and Tatar struggles for human rights
We warmly welcome you to the second evening of the History Dialogues series, which will focus on the history of the civil rights struggles of Jews and Tatars in Finland.
The evening will start with presentations and a conversation by Ainur Elmgren, Simo Muir and Dan Kantor, followed by an opportunity for public discussion. After the presentations there will be refreshments and snacks, along with a special playlist for the evening selected by Miia Laine. You are warmly welcome!
The language for the presentation is Finnish. There is limited space, so come on time! The event will be recorded.
Speakers for the evening:
Ainur Elmgren is an Associate Professor of Nordic History (Åbo Akademi) and a Didactician of History and Social Studies at the Faculty of Education, University of Oulu. Elmgren has studied, among other things, the civil and human rights debate, the prejudices faced by Tatars and the minority's coping strategies in Finland in the early 20th century.
Dan Kantor is retired from his position as Administrative Director of the Jewish Congregation of Helsinki. Kantor has been the associate editor of Lechaim - Images of Finnish Jewish History and Village School in the City - 100 Years of the Jewish Community School of Helsinki. Kantor is the editor-in-chief of Hakehila magazine, published by the Jewish Congregation of Helsinki.
Simo Muir is an Associate Professor of Jewish Cultural Studies (University of Helsinki) and Honorary Senior Research Fellow at University College London. Muir's research interests include latent anti-Semitism in Finland and the strategies and reactions of the Jewish community during the Second World War and the Holocaust.
