Jewish Heritage and Identity: A Conversation About Xueta Island
An Online Event by “Moreshet – Jewish Heritage Network”
October 15th at 5:00 pm (CEST)
In 1671, several Autos de Fe took place in Majorca, and 37 people were burnt to death, accused of “crypto-Judaic practices”. Later, a list of their names was perpetuated in the sambenitos hanging in the Convent of Santo Domingo in Palma, stigmatizing for centuries the descendants of Jews who were forcibly converted to Christianity: they are the Xuetas. Despite their forced conversion, the Xuetas endured centuries of social exclusion, marginalization, and prejudice, with their Jewish ancestry shaping their identity in complex and often painful ways. Over the centuries, the Xuetas were confined to specific professions, lived in designated neighborhoods, and were subjected to strict social barriers despite their formal conversion to Christianity. The documentary Xueta Island (2021) takes a deep and intimate look into the lives of modern-day descendants of these people. Through personal historical stories, research, and cultural reflection, the film uncovers the enduring legacy of the Xuetas, exploring how the memory of persecution and exclusion has influenced the construction of their identity. The documentary also delves into recent efforts to reconnect with their Jewish heritage, as many Xuetas seek to reclaim their ancestry and rediscover long-suppressed traditions. Moreover, it presents the voices of several members of the Jewish community on the island and how they view the Xueta identity and their integration.
Registered participants to the event will receive a link to watch the movie up to three days before the event. On October 15th, attendees will have the chance to discuss it with Ofer Laszewicki Rubin, co-director of this movie, who will engage in a conversation with attendees about Jewish heritage, memory, and identity, moderated by Lucía Conte. Together, we will discuss the lasting impacts of historical trauma, the challenges of preserving and reviving intangible heritage, and the ways in which individuals and communities navigate the complexity of Jewish identity today.
Join us on an immersive journey into intangible Jewish heritage through the powerful story of the Xuetas.
Xueta Island Directed by Dani Rotstein, Felipe Wolokita and Ofer Laszewicki Spain/USA 2021 Documentary English, Catalan, Spanish 63 minutes TRAILER https://youtu.be/fk2TwObZnIE
Ofer Laszewicki Rubin Based in Barcelona, Ofer collaborated for years as a freelancer for a multitude of media in Spain and Latin America. A multimedia journalist with a masters degree in International Politics from the Pompeu Fabra University in Barcelona, he is currently editor and announcer on the program The event “Kan in Spanish” of the national radio of Israel and correspondent for the newspaper “La Razón” (Madrid). Ofer also films and edits videos for social networks and international press agencies. In 2017, he published the book “Israel Out of Focus: Portraits of Society Beyond the Conflict” (UOC editorial), a selection of reports that explores the diversity of Israeli society. Ofer also worked in production and script writing for documentaries published on the Israeli channels Kan11 and i24new.
The event
• Date and time: October 15th, 2024 5:00-6:00 pm CEST
• The event will take place on Zoom and registration is required before October 11th 2024.
• Registered attendees will receive instructions to watch the movie online and a link to connect to the event on October 13th.
Please register here: https://forms.gle/PLiDJDoHouCHy1sz6
