Israel

Before World War II, around 450,000 Jews lived in what was then British Mandate Palestine. After Israel declared independence in 1948, the Jewish population grew rapidly as Holocaust survivors and Jews from across the world made their way to the new state. Today, Israel is home to over 7 million Jews.

Centropa began conducting interviews in Israel in 2010. We've completed three in-depth interviews:

• Erna Goldmann: Born in Frankfurt, Erna immigrated to the region in 1937 before establishing the State of Israel. Her story shows how German Jews adapted to life here, from the early days in Tel Aviv through Israel's growth into a modern nation.

• Hillel Kempler: Born and raised in Berlin until age seven, Hillel's memories span nearly Israel's entire history. He and his artist wife, Ester, represent the cultural richness of Israeli society.

• Leo Luster: A Viennese Holocaust survivor, Leo's journey took him from Austria through Theresienstadt to Israel. He stays connected to his Austrian roots while deeply involved in Israeli life.

These interviews show how European Jews became Israelis while keeping their family histories alive.