At their arrival in Argentina, the Romanian immigrants came into contact with a new emerging society, which began to take shape with the absorption of the immigrant’s waves, in terms of structures and hierarchies. In this reality and in these times, there are many stories of Romanian immigrants in Argentina who have made an outstanding contribution in the arts, science and culture. Within the wide range of contributions from the Romanian community, art is one of the most recognized.
A personality mentioned in this regard is the Romanian singer Luisa Mondschein Halfon, born in Marculesti in 1903, emigrated to Argentina only 6 years old. She dedicated her life to literature, which earned her many honors: she was an honorary member of the American Culture Institute, Lady Laureate for the Academy of Poetry, Heraldry and more.
Another remembered writer was Baruch Hager, Romanian born in 1898 who arrived in Buenos Aires in 1952 after a hard experience in a forced labor camp during World War II. Once in Argentina, he worked at AMIA (Israelitic Mutual Association of Argentina), where he created the Community Press Archive.
One of the most important personalities undoubtedly was Jacobo Langsner, writer of cinema and theater, author of "Locos de Contento", "Medio Mundo", "El Tobogán" and "La Gotera". He also wrote "El Juego de Efigenia", "Los Artistas", "Los Ridículos" and "La Revolución de Galatea", spent his life in Uruguay until in the 60's, he began working in parallel in Buenos Aires. In 1962 was released what has probably been his biggest success, "Esperando la Carroza", a classic of Argentine cinema. Hereupon began his successes as "Un Inocente Adulterio", which was reinterpreted by several professional castings, "Visitantes Inesperados", "Damas y Caballeros" and "Paternoster".
Alina Diaconú, Romanian born in 1945, arrived in Argentina with only 14 years. It was there where she studied and developed her entire career. She wrote novels such as "La Señora" or "Buenas Noches, Profesor", and also a book of stories titled "¿Qué nos pasa Nicolás?". She also worked as a compiler and literary critic.
Within the wide range of contributions made by the Romanian collectivity, art is one of the most recognized. There have been numerous exhibitions in tribute to their culture. During 2009, the Library of Congress of the Nation, with the support of the Romanian Embassy, offered an exhibition in homage to the community, in the Lola Mora Room, called "Lights and Reflections of Romania". Fifteen exhibitors from the community were summoned for this event, who excelled with oils, vitro-fusion sculptures, metals and more.
Source: http://www.buenosaires.gob.ar/derechoshumanos/observatorio/colectividad-rumana
Judit Neuberger
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