Yad Vashem chooses Germany for first overseas education centers

May 28, 2026 - 18:44

German Jewish leaders have welcomed the decision by Yad Vashem, Israel's official Holocaust memorial and museum, to establish its first overseas education centers in Germany. The move is seen as a strong statement about the importance of memory and the fight against anti-Semitism.

The centers will be set up in Berlin and Munich. They are meant to train German educators and community leaders on how to teach the history of the Holocaust. Yad Vashem has long operated programs abroad but has never before built permanent physical locations outside of Israel.

Leaders of the Jewish community in Germany praised the choice. They said it sends a powerful message about remembrance, education, and the protection of Jewish life. The decision comes at a time when anti-Semitic incidents are on the rise in Germany and across Europe.

Some critics have questioned whether Germany, as the country responsible for the Holocaust, should be the first to host such centers. But supporters argue that the move shows a deep commitment to confronting the past. They say it also helps ensure that future generations understand what happened.

The centers are expected to open within the next few years. They will offer workshops, seminars, and resources for teachers and students. The goal is to create a lasting partnership between Yad Vashem and German institutions focused on Holocaust education.