Jewish Literature Festival Returns to Stockholm

Why this is here: The festival features Sam Sussman, an American author and the unofficial son of Bob Dylan, who has a bestselling book in the United States.

Judisk kultur organizes a Jewish book festival at the Royal Institute of Art in Stockholm, Sweden, May 23 to 24. Lizzie Oved Scheja serves as the festival’s program director. The event follows a first festival held last year, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of Jewish life in Sweden.

This year’s program includes authors, poets, and musicians. It covers topics ranging from Jewish history to contemporary culture.

American author Sam Sussman, and French Rabbi Delphine Horvilleur are among the invited guests. Sussman’s work remains untranslated into Swedish, but organizers aim to introduce him to a new audience.

The festival will conclude with a presentation from Meron Mendel and Saba-Nur Cheema. The married couple, a Jewish man from Israel and a Muslim woman from Pakistan, will discuss coexistence during times of polarization. Organizers hope the festival will become a cultural hub for diverse audiences, but acknowledge future events depend on continued interest and funding.