The Leo Baeck Institute, founded by Jewish intellectuals in the aftermath of the Holocaust, has spent seven decades safeguarding the cultural and historical heritage of German-Jewish life. This milestone marks the institution’s unwavering commitment to preserving a vital part of Europe’s history, despite the devastation wrought by Nazi persecution.
The institute’s founding in 1945 was a direct response to the Nazi regime’s attempt to erase Jewish identity and culture from Germany. Jewish intellectuals, many of whom had survived the horrors of the Holocaust, recognized the urgent need to document and preserve the rich intellectual and cultural contributions of German-Jewish communities.
Over the years, the Leo Baeck Institute has become a crucial repository for rare manuscripts, archives, and scholarly research, offering invaluable insights into the lives and contributions of Jewish individuals and families in Germany. Its work continues to provide a vital link to history for descendants of those who endured the atrocities of the Holocaust.