People don’t usually think of European Jews in Italy, but Jewish history in Italy dates back more than 2,000 years, according to Andrea Grover, an adjunct professor of humanities at NYU’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies.

Grover, who teaches courses on Italian Cultural History and Italian Jewish History, will give an insightful program for National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW), West Morris Section on Wednesday, October 6, via Zoom, titled “Jewish Italy from Sicily to Piedmont.” This

program is being coordinated by the NCJW, West Morris Programming Committee, headed by Debbie Schwartz.

Here are a few little-known facts about the Jewish presence on the Italian peninsula:

* In the 13th century, Palermo had the second-largest Jewish community, after Rome.

* As in Spain, Jews were expelled from Sicily in 1492.

* After the 15th century, very few Jews lived south of Rome.

* The Jewish ghetto in Venice was erected in 1516. The Jewish ghetto in Rome was built in 1555.

* Jewish emancipation was achieved in the 19th century as part of the unification of Italy.

* In the 20th century, Turin became home to the most educated, wealthy and politically active

Italian Jews.

* World War II memoirs were written by Primo Levi and Natalia Ginzburg, Turinese Jewish

writers.

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Preregistration is requested for this free session. Email debra910@aol.com to sign up.