Kalimian Family Lecture in Sephardic Judaism

“Beautiful Friendships: Jewish Refugee Writers in Mexico”

At first glance, Ruth Rewald (1906-1943) and Egon Erwin Kisch (1885-1948) may not have much in common. She wrote realistic novels about feisty, yet principled boys (and sometimes girls) for young audiences, while he gained fame writing literary reportages about his worldwide travels. Rewald was put to death at Auschwitz, while Kisch had the necessary documents, funds, and connections that enabled him to flee from occupied Europe and find refuge in Mexico. Despite these differences, Rewald’s and Kisch’s paths crossed, most visibly in their relationship –or beautiful friendship– with Mexico. This presentation will recount their respective stories of flight, loss, and grief, provide a sense of Jewish experiences along routes to (relative) safety in the Americas, and reflect on the significance of memories of displacement.

Tabea Linhard is a Professor of Spanish, Global Studies, and Comparative Literature at Washington University in St. Louis.

Website for More Info: https://jewishstudies.unc.edu/event/linhard/