The preservation of the Jewish cultural heritage

Recommendation 2165 (2019)

Author(s):

Parliamentary Assembly

Origin

Assembly debate on 4 October 2019 (35th Sitting) (see Doc. 14960, report of the Committee on Culture, Science, Education and Media, rapporteur: Mr Raphaël Comte). Text adopted by the Assembly on 4 October 2019 (35th Sitting).

1. The Parliamentary Assembly, referring to its Resolution 2309 (2019) on the preservation of the Jewish cultural heritage, considers that Jewish cultural heritage forms an integral part of the shared cultural heritage in Europe and that it is therefore a common responsibility to increase efforts to preserve it.

2. Jewish cultural heritage, both tangible and intangible, should be used as a key element in history teaching, for it is a concrete expression of the life of the Jewish community and its historical presence in Europe. Valuing and having a deeper understanding of Jewish culture and heritage, which reveal significant cross-cultural exchanges and mutual enrichment with other cultures, will also contribute to intercultural dialogue, promoting inclusiveness and social cohesion, and combating ignorance and prejudice.

3. The Council of Europe Framework Convention on the Value of Cultural Heritage for Society (CETS No. 199, Faro Convention), the European Heritage Strategy for the 21st Century (Strategy 21), the Council of Europe Cultural Routes Programme and the European Heritage Days all provide an excellent framework for the promotion of Jewish cultural heritage.

4. Therefore, the Assembly recommends that the Committee of Ministers build on these instruments and on the existing activities of the Council of Europe to:

4.1 develop guidance for the protection and preservation of Jewish heritage sites in line with the Council of Europe’s acquis on cultural heritage protection;

4.2 assist member States to further develop educational programmes on the value of Jewish cultural heritage, associating schools, universities, museums and the cultural sector;

4.3 consider, in co-operation with the European Union, the possibility to create an award for outstanding volunteer work on Jewish heritage preservation.