Distinguished Excellencies, members of the Estonian Jewish community, dear conference guests!
I am very pleased to welcome you to today’s conference, which marks an extraordinary and unique event — the 100th anniversary of the cultural autonomy of the Estonian Jewish national minority. This anniversary is important not only to the Jewish community of Estonia, but to our entire country and to international cultural history. The date of June 6, 1926, is written into the shared history of the Jewish nation and our state.
The role of the Estonian Jewish community in the birth and development of our state is significantly larger than is often recognized. This is not just the story of one small community, but a part of the formation, values, and identity of the Estonian state. Indeed, our Jewish community has not been among the largest in either the Nordic countries or Eastern Europe, yet a century ago, we were the first country in the world to grant national minorities living here the opportunity to establish such extensive cultural self-organization.
The civic rights of national minorities living in Estonia — meaning the opportunity to guide and develop their cultural and educational life with a considerable amount of freedom — were emphasized both by our state's founding document, the "Manifesto to All the Peoples of Estonia" proclaimed on February 24, 1918, and by subsequent constitutions. The principles of recognizing national-cultural autonomy laid the foundation for relations of trust between the Estonian state and the peoples living here. In Estonia, cultural autonomy was first established by the German national minority, followed by the Jews, and since the restoration of Estonia's independence, this opportunity has been utilized by Finns and Swedes.
The recognition of cultural autonomy a hundred years ago opened the door to an exceptionally vibrant Jewish communal and cultural life in Estonia. Jewish schools operated in Tallinn, Tartu, and Valga; kindergartens, sports societies, drama clubs, social clubs, and libraries were established. In 1939, a total of 32 Jewish organizations were active in Estonia. This is an impressive number in a country where the community itself was small, yet large in the scope and spirit of its activities.
The Soviet occupation, which began before World War II, brought a sudden end to cultural autonomy, but the legacy of this law has not disappeared. It remained a part of Estonia's legal continuity, serving as proof that the Estonian state has always stood for the right of peoples to self-determination and cultural diversity. Thus, through the implementation of cultural autonomy, the Republic of Estonia possesses valuable experience in how national questions can be resolved democratically.
The protection of the cultural rights of national minorities remains relevant today. In a world of clashing identities and societal polarization, Estonia's experience is a valuable reminder that respecting minority rights does not weaken but rather strengthens democracy and statehood.
Today, representatives of over 200 different nationalities live in Estonia. The goal of our integration policy is to create an internally strong and cohesive society that is ready to successfully meet the global challenges of the 21st century in economy, politics, and culture. Supporting and respecting the culture, language, and identity of national minorities is always at the center of our policymaking. The culture and mother tongue of the peoples living here are not just a heritage of the past, but a living bond that holds communities together and gives them strength for the future.
It is important for every national group living in Estonia to remain true to themselves, while engaging in transnational cooperation and contributing to a sense of unity with fellow citizens and the entire Estonian state. In various challenges and crises, we can only be strong if everyone living here feels like a free and fully entitled part of this land and its people.
Dear listeners! Culture is the heart of a nation — it keeps beating even when times change, keeping us connected to all those who came before us and those who will follow.
Dear Estonian Jewish community! Today, you are an active, visible, and vital part of our society. Your contribution to Estonian culture and sports, education and science, business and public life is invaluable. Your story is a part of our shared Estonian cultural history.
I wish you great success and joy in all your endeavors! Many thanks also to the organizers of the conference and thank you to everyone participating in today's conference! May your community continue to be strong, wise, and blessed!
Translated by AI Gemini
