Hundreds of people of all ages gathered at Turin\u2019s Jewish Community center to celebrate the 200 years anniversary of the Jewish school. \u201cIt is a remarkable moment for the entire city,\u201d said Giulio Disegni, president of Asset, the association of former students of the Jewish school. \u201cA Talmud Torah had been active since the 1600s, but the establishment of a \u2018secular\u2019 school dates back to 1823, with the creation of the Israelite college,\u201d Disegni explained. \u201cEmanuele Colonna and Samuel Vita Finzi, the benefactors who supported the school named after them, believed that every child has the right to access a non-religious education. Since the very beginning, the school embraced mixed classrooms, whereas at the time all schools strictly separated students by gender.\u201d
\nOver the years, the school has been open to students of all faiths. \u201cIt is a place of integration, culture and resilience, and it plays a central role in our community. Our educational tradition has formed generations, in a story that is perhaps unique or at least rare.\u201d
\nThe principal Irene Cottura emphasized how deeply rooted is the school in the city\u2019s culture and tradition. \u201cIt is an honor to be here celebrating 200 years of culture, two centuries during which important values have been passed on. My thoughts are not only today\u2019s students but with all those who have passed through this place over the years. I also want to thank the teachers, who every day rise to the challenge and give their best to educate students in reflection, critical thinking and love for culture, and the parents whose support represents a fundamental educational alliance.
\n\u201cFrom this school, we have the privilege to look back with gratitude at the past and forward with hope and optimism for the future, knowing that this is an important point of reference for both the community and the city.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"