Yad Vashem to Open First International Education Center in Munich

Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder described the selection as an "honor" for his state. "We stand by our historical responsibility: the atrocities of National Socialism must never be repeated," he said. Söder added that Bavaria would be "a good home" for Yad Vashem and personally gave a "promise of protection."

A Nationwide Mission

The idea for a dedicated educational center in Germany originated from a proposal by Chairman Dayan, first made during a 2023 meeting with then-Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The state of North Rhine-Westphalia was also under consideration before Munich was selected.

According to Yad Vashem, comprehensive feasibility studies tipped the scales in Munich's favor. Factors included the city's historical significance, its existing educational landscape and infrastructure, and "the high security standard."

A smaller branch office will also be established in Leipzig, in the eastern state of Saxony. The Saxon government said the facility will offer interactive learning spaces aimed primarily at "educators and young people."

Saxony's Minister-President Michael Kretschmer called the decision "a great honor and at the same time an obligation." He noted that Leipzig could serve as "a bridge to Eastern Europe" and cooperate with Poland and the Czech Republic on remembrance work.

Fighting a Knowledge Gap

Federal Education Minister Karin Prien emphasized the urgency of the project. "Knowledge about what was is important to prevent evil in the future," she said. The minister added that young people in Germany in particular know "too little about the Shoah and the systematic murder of millions of Jews under National Socialism."

Charlotte Knobloch, the president of the Jewish Community of Munich and Upper Bavaria, praised the selection of Munich as the "right decision." She described the city, with its history and as a "hub of Jewish life in Europe," as offering "perfect conditions."

Yad Vashem already maintains close ties with Germany, including long-standing cooperation agreements with all 16 federal states. The new center aims to network teachers, multipliers, and educational institutions nationwide for modern forms of Holocaust education.

The financing concept for the Munich center is secured. "Das Finanzierungskonzept steht!" a source confirmed, indicating that the financial framework is in place with a commitment from the Bavarian government.