The S.S. Quanza: Jewish Refugees and the Port of Norfolk. Sunday, March 6, 2 pm
In 1940, one year after the St. Louis and its “Voyage of the Damned,” a Portuguese steamer brought fewer than 100 refugees from Europe to Norfolk, Va. Most of the passengers were Jews, and all had been denied entry into Mexico. But this time, through the concerted efforts of members of the local and national Jewish community—as well as a few well-placed friends in the nation’s capital—all of those on board were granted permission to land. The story of the SS Quanza, one that has eluded in-depth analysis for decades, is one of hope and courage, but also one of complex political realities about the image of Judaism in mid-century America, contested political will, and the nature of story-telling as it relates to human tragedy and triumph.
Eric Mazur will discuss the event as part of the JMCC Lecture Series. Mazur is the Gloria and David Furman Professor of Judaic Studies, professor of religious studies, and director of American studies at Virginia Wesleyan College, where he teaches courses on Judaism, religion in American culture, and the academic study of religion.
The Jewish Museum and Cultural Center is located at 607 Effingham St. in Portsmouth. Donation of $15 at the door. Call 757-399- 9266 for more information.