Monday, July 17, 2023
How two series' are changing perceptions of Orthodox Jewish life
In the vibrant city of Antwerp, Belgium, two contrasting series, Rough Diamonds and Shalom All! (Shalom Allemaal! in Flemish), pull back the curtain on the city's Orthodox Jewish community, offering viewers an intimate view of their world. Despite sharing a common subject, the shows' approaches and execution greatly differ, a divergence grounded in their distinct genres; Rough Diamonds is a work of fiction while Shalom All! is a documentary series.
Antwerp, a bustling Belgian port city, is renowned not only for its diamond industry but also for its substantial Jewish community. It is home to approximately 20,000 Jews, making it one of the most significant Jewish populations in Europe. The Jewish community's roots in Antwerp trace back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with many seeking refuge here during the World Wars. Today, nearly 90% of the Jewish population in Antwerp identify as Orthodox, most of whom are Hasidic. This is unique since Orthodox Jews constitute a smaller fraction of the global Jewish population.
Netflix's latest series, Rough Diamonds, delves into the world of Belgium's diamond trade, shedding light on the challenges faced by one of the industry's most influential families. Set against a backdrop of sparkling diamonds and wealth, a more ominous narrative emerges – one marked by family discord, loss, and a struggle for survival.
Comments:
Post a Comment
