Holocaust Biography research project
The identities of Holocaust victims and survivors
The aims of this report are to present the Review of the Biographical Records of Holocaust Victims and Survivors Project (RHV) as well as it’s recommendations for the desirability of the future Holocaust Biography Research Project (HBRP).
The RHV is divided into two main parts. The first part contains the findings of the RHV and it’s recommendations whilst the second part presents the detailed results of the RHV as a set of five appendices.
Executive Summary
- It is the general recommendation of the RHV that the Holocaust Biography Research Project (Stage II) could and should be implemented through an extended meaning of `the biographical record of victims`. This has been due to the possible advantages of fine-tuning the original scope of the project as outlined to the RHV.
- The general recommendation arises out of the specific recommendations concerning the potential of developing an archive and a publication series, and the productive effects of the dissemination of information and academic patronage.
- The design of an archive that links the names of victims and survivors to materials reflecting the local histories that they endured and lived through would become the basis of their virtual biographies.
- The materials in the archive would be both copies of original documents and academic-quality translations of them into English, as well as the results of primary research of the RHV conducted with those who are alive today.
- The archive design would derive from a methodological approach which used an `agent-structure` concept, organised around the idea of `working lives`, that would become the basis of the biographies to be published as an extended series. This series would reflect victims and survivors from many groups and countries.
- The archive design would also permit the production of important educational materials directed at middle and high schools, universities and special interest groups.
- The archive, the publications and the educational materials would become a collective and dynamic commemoration to the victims and survivors.
- To achieve this, the HBRP would effectively sub-contract the research work throughout the countries of interest and so develop a de-centred network of younger researchers whose work would be coordinated centrally by the HBRP.
- Establishing this network of younger researchers requires the active participation of more senior researchers in various countries who would in effect constitute support for the HBRP through an Academic Board as well as advise that project in general by participating in an Executive Board whose members would also include lay specialists.
- Through the shaping of Dayenu Ltd.’s involvement in the research would lead to the development of a high profile for Dayenu Ltd which would be seen as an important patron of academic work involving the victims and survivors. The additional effect of this is that Dayenu Ltd. would also be considered as a leading player in the commemoration of the lives it helped retrieve in the virtual biographies, the biographies and the educational products of the HBRP.
Full Report
You can read the full report (PDF, 3mb).
