Reframing the Past as a Cosmopolitan Memory: Obituaries in the Israeli Daily Haaretz

Abstract

The global era presents a challenge for all memory agents for they are now faced with the task of constructing collective memories that maintain new contemporary values, most notably sensitivity to other nations' memories. This article deals with a major question flowing from the aforementioned task: Is it possible to reframe the past as a “cosmopolitan memory” for the purpose of promoting solidarity and peace? The article provides preliminary evidence of what can be called a “cosmopolitan turn” in collective memory construction, together with suggestions regarding the associated research lexicon. Through analysis of the obituaries published in the elite Israeli daily Haaretz, it illustrates some of the discursive strategies to be used to reframe the past as a cosmopolitan memory.