This lecture by distinguished Czech writer, historian, and Holocaust researcher Pavel Batel will address the pivotal role of the Terezín Ghetto and Concentration camp during the Nazi occupation of World War II. Batel will discuss the purpose of the ghetto and how it served to deceive the world. He will also talk about the conditions in the camp and specifically focus on the youth movements in Terezín led by Rabbi Leo Baeck and Freddy Hirsch. Thanks to these leaders, Terezín did not break the spirits of the youth and they were able to support each other and maintain their dignity against all odds.
Pavel Batel is an author, documentarist, and researcher specializing in Terezín. He has conducted extensive research, recording interviews with Holocaust survivors across eight countries. His work, including novels and historical fiction, ensures stories of Terezin reach a wider audience. Pavel has lectured on Terezín’s history at institutions like the Holocaust Museum of Los Angeles and trained guides for organizations such as Yad Vashem and the Museum of Jewish Heritage in New York. His research has been featured in international media, including I24 News, the BBC, and academic publications. Pavel’s mentorship has cultivated a team of historians dedicated to preserving the authentic history of Terezín for future generations.