Centropa

Centropa is an organization dedicated since 2000 to the preservation and transmission of Jewish stories and memories in Central and Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union, and other regions. The core of our work consists of comprehensive interviews with over 1,200 older Jewish survivors from 15 countries, living between the Baltic and the Aegean. These interviews, which can last up to 20 hours per respondent, provide deep insights into the world in which these people grew up and the world they rebuilt for their families after the war. The interviews are audio recorded, transcribed, translated, and stored in a searchable online database called “Jewish Witness to a European Century”[5].

• Interviews and Photo Documentation: Thousands of family photos have been collected and digitized to visually complement the personal stories of the interviewees.
• Multimedia Films: Since 2006, we have produced over 25 short multimedia films based on the collected stories and photos. These films are often shown in schools and come with accompanying educational materials[5].
• Exhibitions: We have created thematic exhibitions based on the collected stories and photos, which are displayed in various countries, such as Bulgaria, Romania, the Czech Republic, and Austria[5].
• Educational Programs: Our educational programs target various audiences, including Jewish day schools, public and private high schools in Europe, Israel, and North America. These programs aim to strengthen the connection to the countries of Jewish origin and to convey Holocaust education in innovative and relevant ways[5].

The main mission of Centropa is to preserve and share the Jewish memories and stories of the 20th century, thereby strengthening the connection to the countries of Jewish origin. A central value is combating antisemitism and Holocaust denial by creating educational programs that are conducted and shared by the students themselves. By involving teachers, museum educators, and educational experts in our development processes, we ensure that our programs are practical and effective[5].

Centropa is committed to long-term sustainability in education and memory culture. This includes:

• International Collaboration: We work with educational institutions and experts in many countries to continuously improve our programs and adapt them to local needs.
• Digital Archiving: By digitizing the interviews and photos, we secure the memories for future generations and make them accessible worldwide.
• Cultural Diversity: Our exhibitions and films represent the diversity of Jewish experiences in different countries and cultures, thus promoting intercultural understanding and tolerance.

Through these efforts, Centropa contributes to preserving the cultural heritage of Jewish communities and creating a global community committed to the preservation of memories and the promotion of understanding and respect.

• 1 - https://s.centropa.org/centropaorg/public/2024-02/05.Steckbrief.deutsch.pdf
• 2 - https://www.centropa.org/de/who-we-are
• 3 - https://www.centropa.org/de
• 4 - https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-1951-02-14/pdf/FR-1951-02-14.pdf
• 5 - https://www.centropa.org/en/what-we-do