At the time, Swedish Prime Minster Goran Persson declared that his government would support research on World War II-era Swedish history, and pledged some $5 million to promote Jewish culture, identity and history.
The theme of Paideia’s inaugural conference was “Exile, The Jewish People and Reflections on the European Context.”
In his opening remarks, professor Moshe Halbertal of the Hebrew University in Jerusalem emphasized that the concept of “exile” carries two meanings for Jews, as the antonyms of both “home” and “redemption.”
Speakers at the conference, sponsored by Sweden’s Annika Urwitz Foundation, explored theological, ethical, political, European and Jewish dimensions of exile.
A lively debate arose over the complex relationship between Israel and diaspora Jews.
Just a year and a half in the planning, Paideia already has received 50 applications for 16 one-year fellowships.
The institute has received support from Sweden’s government and its business and Jewish communities, along with the World Jewish Congress.
The institute’s name means “culture and learning” in Greek, and is very close to the Hebrew poh deyah, which means “here is knowledge,” noted Israeli Attorney General Elyakim Rubinstein, who serves on Paideia’s board of trustees.
The name fits the purpose, Director Barbara Spectre said.
“Paideia’s mission is two-fold — to give nourishment and be part of the regeneration of European Jewish culture, and to act as an avenue of discussion of Jewish and European culture,” Spectre said.
According to the institute’s newsletter, Paideia is “dedicated to the renewal of Jewish cultural life in Europe,” and to serving “as an intellectual and academic base for European cultural renewal.” The institute has a Web site, www.paideia.eu.com.
Sweden’s Jewish community numbers 15,000.