Yad Vashem to Open First International Educational Center in Munich

Yad Vashem Chairman Dani Dayan stated that Munich's selection carries "eine tiefe symbolische Bedeutung" due to the city's role in the rise of National Socialism. The NSDAP was founded in Munich in 1920, and Adolf Hitler began his rise to power there.

Dayan said the decision comes "zu einem kritischen Zeitpunkt, an dem Instrumentalisierung oder Leugnung des Holocaust sowie Antisemitismus zunehmen." The institution is intended to be open to everyone but is particularly aimed at teachers.

The center is expected to begin operations within three years and will employ about 20 people. It will serve as a nationwide platform for audiences across Germany and neighboring countries, networking teachers, multipliers, and educational institutions for modern forms of Holocaust education.

A Nationwide Educational Mission

The educational approach centers on the voices and experiences of Jewish victims. This is the first time Yad Vashem has opened its own educational center outside of Israel.

The smaller branch in Leipzig, Saxony, will feature interactive learning spaces aimed primarily at educators and young people. Saxon Minister-President Michael Kretschmer called the decision "eine große Ehre und zugleich Verpflichtung."

Kretschmer said Leipzig could serve as "eine Brücke nach Osteuropa" and cooperate in remembrance work with Poland and the Czech Republic.

Political and Community Support

Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder called the selection an "Ehre" for his state. He stated that Bavaria stands by its historical responsibility and that the atrocities of National Socialism must never be repeated, giving a personal "Schutzversprechen" for Yad Vashem in Bavaria.

Federal Education Minister Karin Prien stated that young people in Germany know "zu wenig über die Shoah und die systematische Ermordung von Millionen Juden im Nationalsozialismus." She said the federal government will closely support the establishment of the educational center.

Charlotte Knobloch, chairwoman of the Jewish Community of Munich and Upper Bavaria, praised the selection of Munich as the "richtige Entscheidung," citing its history and role as a hub of Jewish life in Europe.

The idea for an educational center in Germany originated from a proposal by Chairman Dani Dayan, first made in 2023 during a meeting with then-Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Yad Vashem maintains long-standing cooperation agreements with all 16 German federal states.

The project is supported across party and state lines in Germany and is defined as a nationwide task. The financing concept for the Munich center has been secured, with the Bavarian government providing a financial assurance.