Venice Ghetto Celebrates 500th Anniversary

A ceremony on March 29 marked the 500th anniversary of the Jewish Ghetto in Venice, established by decree of the Venetian Senate in 1516. Paolo Gnignati, president of the Jewish community of Venice, said the anniversary was an opportunity to “emphasize the capacity and steadfastness of a group that, in spite of adverse conditions, and against all reasonable expectations, succeeded in making the ghetto a place where Jewish tradition could grow.” The ceremony begins a year of performances, conferences and other cultural events related to the anniversary.

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