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THE LBI
The Leo Baeck Institute, with its independent institutes in Jerusalem, London, and New York, is the leading institution dedicated to the study and promotion of German-Jewish history and culture.
In 2025, we will celebrate our 70th anniversary.
Promotional Film of the Leo Baeck Institute
Honorary Patron
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has assumed patronage of the Leo Baeck Institute’s 70th anniversary year. This gesture recognizes the Institute’s vital role in intercultural dialogue, the scholarly study of Jewish history, and its public dissemination to a wider audience.
“The LBI tirelessly researches German-Jewish history – a history that continually raises new surprises and questions. In 2025, we will celebrate our 70th anniversary and look back with pride on a variety of projects that deepen the understanding of this history and contribute to a vibrant culture of remembrance in a democratic society.”
Prof. Dr. Michael Brenner, International President of the LBI
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SHARED
CELEBRATION
In honor of its 70th anniversary, numerous events will take place at all locations in 2025, including lecture series, readings, and exhibitions. Visit the websites of the respective institutes to learn more.
EVENTS
PROJECTS
Stolpertexte
The “Stolpertexte” project brings the stories of Jewish women and men during the Nazi era to life through the work of both renowned and emerging authors. Based on archival materials from the Leo Baeck Institute, these literary texts make the fate and hopes of those affected tangible. The texts are first published in local media and later made available online with additional materials. Part of this ongoing series has already been published in book form.
LBI Jerusalem Interview Project
The interview project of the Leo Baeck Institute Jerusalem honors researchers who have contributed to the study of German-Jewish history and examines their scholarly work. Intergenerational conversations between retired and younger colleagues document key academic milestones, tracing the development of German-Jewish studies over the past 50 years. The goal is to create a comprehensive picture of the past and inspire future research approaches.
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Independent
INSTITUTES
JERUSALEM
The Jerusalem Institute is Israel’s leading research center on German-Jewish history, producing highly regarded publications on German Jewry. It promotes dialogue on the liberal traditions of European Jewry within Israeli society, organizes conferences, and supports young researchers in Israel. Its collections include a historical archive, a library, and a film and interview collection.
- LBI Jerusalem has published 350 works, including the annual Jewish Almanac.
- Since 2012, it has organized 30 conferences and hosted 200 events.
LONDON
The London Institute is the leading research center in the United Kingdom for the history and culture of German-speaking Jews in Europe. It bridges German- and English-speaking academic communities and fosters scholarly debate through conferences and workshops.
- Around 200 doctoral students have received the international Leo Baeck Fellowship from LBI London and the German National Academic Foundation since 2006.
- Since 1956, the renowned LBI Yearbook on German-speaking Jewish history has been published annually.
NY | BERLIN
The New York Institute houses the most important collection of primary sources on German-Jewish history in Central Europe, including original documents, memoirs, artworks, photographs, everyday objects, and literature. Collaborative efforts between the teams in New York and its archival branch in Berlin result in engaging projects, exhibitions, events, publications, and podcasts for audiences in the U.S., Germany, and beyond.
- The institute holds over 80,000 volumes on Jewish culture and history.
- 5.5 million pages from the archive have been digitized.
- The successful podcast EXILE has surpassed 220,000 downloads.
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SUPPORTING
PARTNERS
FREUNDE UND FÖRDERER
The Friends of the LBI support the activities of the three institutes financially and organizationally, such as exhibitions and publications. The association strengthens collaboration with German cultural institutions and ministries, represents the interests of LBI, and engages with the German public.
"Our responsibility towards history is part of our identity. It knows no final line and no relativization."
WISSENSCHAFTLICHE ARBEITSGEMEINSCHAFT
Founded in 1989, WAG promotes the study of German-Jewish history in Germany through academic events, collaboration with educational institutions, and archival inventory documentation. A key focus is supporting early-career researchers through doctoral seminars and workshops.
"The WAG is as diverse as German-Jewish history itself. Through the research of its members, through events and lively exchanges, this unique cultural heritage remains alive for the future."
