Yad Vashem to Open First International Educational Center in Munich

"The decision comes at a critical time when instrumentalization or denial of the Holocaust and antisemitism are increasing," Dayan said, using the German phrase "zu einem kritischen Zeitpunkt, an dem Instrumentalisierung oder Leugnung des Holocaust sowie Antisemitismus zunehmen."

The educational center is planned to open within three years and will serve as a nationwide platform for audiences across Germany and neighboring countries. It is expected to employ approximately 20 people and will be particularly aimed at teachers and multipliers.

Political Support Across Germany

Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder called the selection of Bavaria an "Ehre" (honor) and gave a personal pledge of protection. "Wir stehen zu unserer geschichtlichen Verantwortung: Die Gräuel des Nationalsozialismus dürfen sich niemals wiederholen," Söder stated, emphasizing Germany's historical responsibility.

Saxon Minister-President Michael Kretschmer described the decision as "eine große Ehre und zugleich Verpflichtung" (a great honor and obligation). He noted that Leipzig could serve as "eine Brücke nach Osteuropa" (a bridge to Eastern Europe), cooperating in remembrance work with Poland and the Czech Republic.

Federal Education Minister Karin Prien said the federal government will closely support the establishment of the Munich center. She noted that young people in Germany "wissen zu wenig über die Shoah und die systematische Ermordung von Millionen Juden im Nationalsozialismus" (know too little about the Shoah and the systematic murder of millions of Jews under National Socialism).

The idea for a German branch originated from a proposal by Chairman Dani Dayan, first made in 2023 during a meeting with then-Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Preparatory work subsequently began with support from federal and state governments.

North Rhine-Westphalia was initially also under consideration as a possible location alongside Bavaria and Saxony. The state had promoted its bid by citing its large Jewish community and long-standing cooperation with Yad Vashem, including regular training for teachers, prosecutors, and police officers.

A Nationwide Educational Mission

Munich was ultimately selected based on feasibility studies citing its historical significance, existing educational landscape, infrastructure, and high security standards. An Israeli consulate general and a large Nazi documentation center are already located near Karolinenplatz.

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

Yad Vashem maintains long-standing cooperation agreements with all 16 German federal states. The new center will network teachers and educational institutions nationwide for modern forms of Holocaust education, centering on the voices and experiences of Jewish victims.

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 finalized, with the Bavarian government providing a "finanzielle Zusicherung" (financial assurance).