Germany set to establish a new Holocaust education facility
In a significant move aimed at strengthening partnerships between Yad Vashem and German institutions, the Israeli Holocaust memorial organisation has decided to build its first Holocaust education centre outside of Israel in Germany. The proposed centre, not intended to be a museum but rather a place to bring the perspective of the victims to the country of the perpetrators, is currently in the running for locations in North Rhine-Westphalia, Bavaria, or Saxony, with Hamburg and Cologne being the frontrunners.
The idea for the centre originated from a meeting between Yad Vashem Chairman Dani Dayan and former Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) in December 2023. The feasibility study of the proposed centre was presented by Federal Minister of Education Karin Prien (CDU) and Yad Vashem Chairman Dani Dayan.
Cologne, home to the oldest Jewish community in Germany with the first mention dating back to the year 321, and Hamburg, a bustling metropolis, are competing for the location of the centre. North Rhine-Westphalia's state government has recommended Cologne as the location for the Holocaust education centre.
The educational institution, expected to start its work two to three years after the decision, will have approximately 20 employees. It will be open to all, but will particularly target teachers. The centre aims to combat "dangerous phenomena of trivialization and distortion of the Holocaust," as pointed out by current studies, which show that about 40 percent of Germans are not aware that "six million Jewish women and men were murdered in the time of National Socialism."
Young people in Germany know too little about the Holocaust, according to Federal Minister of Education Karin Prien. The centre is expected to play a crucial role in addressing this knowledge gap and enriching the Holocaust memorial landscape in Germany.
It is worth noting that a large Jewish museum is currently being built in Cologne. The proposed centre will not involve the construction of a new building, making it a more feasible option for the cities under consideration.
The coalition agreement of the federal government supports the establishment of the Holocaust centre. The Yad Vashem Memorial in Jerusalem has an International School for Holocaust Studies (ISHS) that offers further training and fosters exchange with educators, and develops teaching materials for use in schools. The proposed centre in Germany is expected to follow a similar model, providing valuable resources for educators and students alike.
The final decision on the location will be made next year. The centre, once established, will serve as a powerful testament to the importance of Holocaust education and remembrance, fostering understanding and empathy across generations.
