Terezin and Holocaust Research

research and interviews

Two decades of uncoivering forgotten Holocaust stories.

How it started:

Friendship with survivors and personal commitment.

With more than 20 years of dedicated work on the history of the Terezín Ghetto, Pavel Batel has earned the trust of Holocaust survivors. Over the past two decades, our team has recorded more than 30 in-depth, first-hand testimonies from survivors of Terezín, Auschwitz, and other camps. These interviews form one of the core foundations of the Batel Institute. They contain unique perspectives, personal memories, and details that would otherwise be lost.

Much of this material remains unpublished, and our mission is to ensure that these voices are preserved, professionally processed, and made accessible to educators, researchers, and future generations. Our work focuses on uncovering the complexity of Terezín: its role in Nazi propaganda, the mechanisms of deception, the social experiments carried out inside the ghetto, and the experiences of prisoners whose suffering has long remained overlooked. Through testimonies, archival research, and fieldwork, we strive to bring forward a more complete and authentic understanding of Terezín’s place in Holocaust history.

Pavel Batel interviewing Prof. Felix Kolmer in Prague.

Prof. Kolmer dedicated his life to Holocaust commemoration.

The Institute’s vision is clear:

to develop this collection into a structured oral-history archive, publish new research grounded in survivor accounts, and create educational programs that reflect the full depth and truth of the Terezín story. By working with this material, we aim to ensure that these voices continue to inform Holocaust education at a time when antisemitism is rising and historical memory is increasingly fragile.

In Rome, Pavel interviewed the son of Benjamin Murmelstein, the last Elder of the Terezín Ghetto, whose family had been held hostage during his father’s negotiations with Adolf Eichmann. This rare conversation shed light on the impossible decisions faced by ghetto leaders.
Pavel’s research also took him deep into archives, uncovering overlooked documents and personal correspondence. By blending historical investigation with survivor testimonies, he brought to life untold stories of resilience and leadership. His work not only preserved the history of Terezín but also honored the humanity of those who endured it.

Stories Yet Untold: The Terezín Testimonies

Over the past fifteen years, we have conducted more than thirty interviews with survivors and witnesses connected to the Terezín Ghetto. These conversations reveal the daily realities of life in Terezín — insights that go far beyond the established historical narrative. Thanks to our in-depth understanding of Terezín’s history, we have been able to document unique perspectives and details. Most of the recordings have not yet been publicly presented, and we are currently seeking partners to help us preserve, analyze, and share this material with wider audiences.

Stories Yet Untold: The Terezín Testimonies

Over the past fifteen years, we have conducted more than thirty interviews with survivors and witnesses connected to the Terezín Ghetto. These conversations reveal the daily realities of life in Terezín — insights that go far beyond the established historical narrative. Thanks to our in-depth understanding of Terezín’s history, we have been able to document unique perspectives and details. Most of the recordings have not yet been publicly presented, and we are currently seeking partners to help us preserve, analyze, and share this material with wider audiences.

Interview Example: Benjamin Murmelstein — The Last Jewish Elder of Terezín and Former Teacher of Adolf Eichmann

Among those whose stories we have explored is the son of Benjamin Murmelstein, the last Elder of the Terezín Ghetto — a figure both tragic and complex. Murmelstein was forced by the Nazis to serve as a liaison to the Jewish community and was even compelled to instruct Adolf Eichmann about Jewish society. His story, and those of his family, shed light on the moral dilemmas and impossible choices faced by Jewish leaders under Nazi rule, revealing Terezín as a place not only of suffering but also of profound human complexity.

Pavel Batel's Interview wih Wolf Murmelstein.

Interview Example: Benjamin Murmelstein — The Last Jewish Elder of Terezín and Former Teacher of Adolf Eichmann

Among those whose stories we have explored is the son of Benjamin Murmelstein, the last Elder of the Terezín Ghetto — a figure both tragic and complex. Murmelstein was forced by the Nazis to serve as a liaison to the Jewish community and was even compelled to instruct Adolf Eichmann about Jewish society. His story, and those of his family, shed light on the moral dilemmas and impossible choices faced by Jewish leaders under Nazi rule, revealing Terezín as a place not only of suffering but also of profound human complexity.

Pavel Batel's Interview with Wolf Murmelstein.

Pavel Batel's Interviews with

Holocaust Survivors

Interview with Ruth Bondy, famous historian, Terezin and Auschwitz survivor, Czech writer (author of the book "Jakob Edelstein" - necessary for every Terezin scholar).
An interview with Czech-Jewish survivor of Terezin ghetto Mrs. Vidláková.
Jehuda Bacon experienced the angelic actions of Fredy Hirsh (a mentor and protector of Jewish children in Terezin and Auschwitz), and Premysl Pitter (a Christian priest who protected Jewish children.
In Israel during an interview with the son of Gideon Hausner, the prosecutor of Adolf Eichman. His book Justice in Jerusalem documents the legacy of the Hausner family.
Achim Beginsky survived Terezin Ghetto. He was exceptionally stealthy and his skill at sneaking into various blocks.
Anita Tarsi, the leading Israeli historian on Theresienstadt, shared her knowledge with Pavel Batel at the Beit Terezin archive in Givat Chaim Ichud, Israel.
Benjamin Murmelstein - the last and only surviving Elder of Theresienstadt. Historical photography from ghetto time.
Wolf Murmelstein spent his life trying to clear his father's name - Benjamin was the last Elder of Terezin Ghetto.
Pavel Batel in London with Jeremy Adler, British writer, philosopher and poet (son of H. G. Adler, Terezin and Auschwitz survivor - the most important Terezin historian and author of crucial books used during interrogation of Adolf Eichmann).
Author of famous Terezin poetry, Vera Maisels, describing stories about hiding in the forests and her transportation to Auschwitz.
Israeli (Sima Sachar and Noa David) and Czech (Mrs. Chládková and Mrs. Kuklová) - top Terezin historians and archive specialists.
Petr Lang: Terezin, Auschwitz and Kaufering survivor, who spent two and a half years in Terezin.
Pavel Batel and his collection of books about Terezin Ghetto-camp and Terezin Small fortress.
In a prepared documentary film, Terezin sport will have its own chapter. With Noa David (Beit Terezin - Department of Education, Israel).

Feel free to email or call us to discuss collaboration, educational programs for your group, or opportunities to support our work.

You can also contact us regarding donations to help fund our research, support the Institute’s operations, and contribute to future projects.

+420 608 931 093
info@batel-institute.org

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