Leoni Abrahamsen Kohn: Culture as a breathing space and peace work
Leoni Abrahamsen Kohn is a violinist in the Shira Etana Klezmer Ensemble, a GP in Oslo and a central voice in the Jewish Cultural Festival Trondheim. She led this year's Tjuvstart with her husband Daniel Kohn, and reflects on the festival's importance as a meeting place, cultural heritage and peace work.
photo and text: Martin Farstad Borg
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Music as a universal language
At the concert earlier in the festival week, Shira Etana performed an old Yiddish song about peace. For Leoni, such songs carry a message that transcends both time and politics.
“I guess it’s something people have always wanted – a universal desire to live in peace. This is, in a way, a breathing space.”
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A neutral ground in a troubled world
She describes the festival as a place where culture can be a safe meeting place across conflicts and differences of opinion.
"Such a neutral ground in a world that is very stormy, where pure cultural and art arenas can offer a place to experience art and learn about other cultures. It is infinitely valuable."
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Personal cultural heritage
Leoni emphasizes that the festival is also about her own identity.
"It's my family's culture and my personal cultural heritage. There are no other Jewish cultural festivals in Norway. The fact that we've had one in my hometown for 15 years is completely unique."
Learning and acceptance
For her, the festival's role in society is just as important as the personal experiences.
"Hate often starts with ignorance. The more you know each other, the easier it is to accept each other. And acceptance is the key to living together in peace."
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Community through music
She sees the festival as a place that builds bridges and creates cohesion.
"What happens in the music and in the meeting between people here makes us experience community in a very special way. It gives hope – and strength to move forward."
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