Lunch Talks. Restitution, Memory and Cultural Heritage after World War II and Colonialism

events Programme

CEJI – A Jewish Contribution for an Inclusive Europe organised a series of online Lunch Talks exploring restitution, cultural heritage and memory in the aftermath of World War II and colonialism. As an organisation committed to fostering an inclusive Europe through education, dialogue and anti-discrimination work, CEJI brought together experts and practitioners whose work addresses historical injustice, collective memory and processes of repair.

The first seminar featured Ronny Naftaniel, one of the key negotiators involved in Holocaust restitution efforts in the Netherlands. Reflecting on the Dutch experience, the discussion explored the political, social and institutional dimensions of restitution and considered how these lessons can inform contemporary conversations on decolonisation, reparative justice and historical accountability.

The second Lunch Talk welcomed Mireille-Tsheusi Robert, who examined the restitution of human remains held in Belgian institutions. The conversation highlighted the connections between memory, dignity and justice, while addressing the efforts of activists seeking to restore visibility and humanity to individuals whose bodies had been appropriated and instrumentalised through colonial violence.

The third seminar, with educator and cultural advisor Sabiha El Youssfi, focused on the restitution of colonial histories and the recognition of collective memories. Participants discussed how educational and artistic initiatives can challenge the silencing of colonial histories and structural racism while engaging younger generations in critical reflection on the past and its ongoing consequences.

The final conversation featured journalist, writer and filmmaker Rokhaya Diallo and centred on her work documenting solidarity between Jewish and Black communities in the United States. The discussion explored intersections between different collective memories and emphasised the importance of recognising these histories within broader struggles for social justice, equality and inclusion.

Bringing together participants from across Europe and beyond, the Lunch Talks series created an accessible platform for exploring the links between Holocaust memory, colonial legacies and contemporary debates on restitution and justice. By connecting diverse experiences and perspectives, the programme contributed to a deeper understanding of how memory, accountability and repair continue to shape public life today.