What It Is About
The USC Shoah Foundation visual history archive, featuring testimonies of Holocaust survivors and victims of the October 7 massacre, is now accessible in Hebrew. This significant development is part of a collaborative project with the National Library of Israel to ensure Israeli audiences can have comprehensive access to these invaluable historical records.
Why It Matters
This initiative marks a pivotal moment in strengthening the historical consciousness and resilience of the Jewish people in Israel. By translating the archive into Hebrew, the project aims to educate and inform Israeli society about past atrocities and contemporary antisemitism through firsthand narratives. It fosters an understanding of shared struggles and the enduring spirit of the Jewish community.
Key Points
Milestone in Historical Documentation
Dr. Robert Williams, Executive Director of the USC Shoah Foundation, emphasized the importance of the project: “The translation of our archive into Hebrew marks a significant milestone in our mission to thoroughly document the history of the Holocaust and contemporary antisemitism and ensure that these crucial survivor experiences are accessible to Hebrew-speaking audiences.”
Understanding Jewish Resilience
As the archive becomes more accessible, it aims to deepen the collective understanding of the horrific events that Jewish people have endured and their incredible resilience throughout history. It helps shed light on periods of darkness while showcasing the strength and determination of the Jewish community.
Preserving Modern History: October 7 Massacre
The National Library’s “Bearing Witness” project, which documents the tragic events of the October 7 massacre, exemplifies the ongoing need to confront and archive contemporary antisemitic acts. Dr. Raquel Ukeles, Head of Collections at the National Library of Israel, remarked, “With the Hebrew interface, Israelis will have easier access to archive content to help learn about the persistence and destructiveness of antisemitism, and the genocides, crimes against humanity, and related persecutions that have occurred throughout history, and, sadly, in our own time as well.”
A Resource for All
The translated archive, housing 59,000 videos, serves not only as a crucial educational tool but also as a testament to the shared Jewish experience of tragedy and recovery. It ensures that future generations can learn from the past and strive for a safer and more informed society.
This story was first published on jpost.com.