Unique Historical Sources in Israel Integrated into History Curriculum in Israel and Germany
Introduction of the Digital Platform
For the first time, collections of rare documents, photographs, and historical materials held in Israel by the Leo Baeck Institute (LBI) will be integrated into the history curriculum for schools in both Israel and Germany. This initiative is part of a new digital platform titled “Interwoven Lives,” launched by the Leo Baeck Institute in Jerusalem to commemorate its 70th anniversary.
Educational Resource for Schools
The platform will provide access to personal stories of men and women born in Germany who migrated during the 20th century, including to Mandatory Palestine or other destinations worldwide. Each collection features authentic documents, photographs, letters, and additional archival materials from the Institute’s extensive holdings. This will enable students to explore German-Israeli history through relatable human narratives, offering a unique glimpse into the lives of German Jews before the dark period of Nazi rule.
Featured Stories
The first two stories featured on the platform include that of Aliza Nagidi, a Berlin-born photographer and fervent Zionist who documented her community’s life and her personal journey, and Willy Loewison, a young German who enlisted in the German army during World War I, fought on the Eastern Front, and was captured in Russia.
Collaboration and Goals
“Interwoven Lives” is the result of a collaboration between the Leo Baeck Institute Jerusalem and the German-Israeli commission for the examination of textbooks (DISBK). The goal is to provide students with significant historical sources, enhance their ability to engage with primary sources, and deepen their understanding of the intertwined German-Israeli history. The platform is expected to expand in the coming years, showcasing additional life stories.
The DISBK, established in 2010, examines the representation of Israel and Germany in each other’s textbooks and offers recommendations for improving accuracy and balance in history education. The work of the committee is coordinated by the Georg Eckert Institute (GEI) in Germany and the MOFET Institute in Israel.
Significance of the Launch
Dr. Irina Eva Ben-David, Director of the Leo Baeck Institute in Jerusalem, stated, “The launch of ‘Interwoven Lives’ is a significant moment in the Institute’s history and our educational journey. For the first time, students in Israel and Germany will be able to work with authentic archival materials held here in Jerusalem-documents that tell the stories of real people whose lives were intertwined between these two societies. In an age of information overflow and challenges in teaching history, it is crucial to connect students to primary sources, the human narrative, and our shared responsibility for historical memory.”
About the Leo Baeck Institute
The Leo Baeck Institute is a research institution dedicated to the history, culture, and heritage of German-speaking Jewry. Since its founding 70 years ago, it has housed start of the world’s most significant archives on German and Austrian Jewry. The Institute promotes innovative research in the humanities, literature, history, and memory work. In addition to research activities, the Institute operates educational programs, hosts international conferences, and collaborates with academic and cultural institutions in Israel and worldwide to make historical knowledge accessible and strengthen the connection between past, present, and future.