Remembering Through Preservation
Documenting safeguarding and commemorating the history of communities devastated on October 7
The Yad Ben-Zvi October 7th
Documentation Initiative
Acting upon the initiative of Israel's Ministry of Heritage, since mid-November 2023, Yad Ben-Zvi’s Documentation Teams have worked tirelessly to salvage, collect, and preserve over 10,000 items from homes, communal buildings, and public spaces in communities impacted by the tragic events of October 7th. These objects bear silent witness to the violent events of that day, and their meticulous documentation ensures that these testimonies are not lost. The physical objects, fragile and delicate, are tended by professional conservators, with an eye to preserving them for the communities for purposes of commemoration and remembrance.
The Yad Ben-Zvi October 7th Documentation Initiative
Since 2019, Yad Ben-Zvi 's`Eretz Hefetz' initiative has developed dedicated software, professional tools and methodology with the aim of assisting unofficial musuems and owners of private collection to register and manage their collections, according to the field's highest professional standards. Based on this rich experience, the Ministry of Heritage approached Yad Ben-Zvi with a request to carry out extensive documentation activities in the communities impacted by the violent events of October 7th. Since mid-November 2023, Yad Ben-Zvi’s documentation teams have worked tirelessly to salvage, collect, and preserve over 10,000 items from homes, communal buildings, and public spaces in the affected communities. These objects bear silent witness to the violent events of that day, and their meticulous documentation ensures that these testimonies are not lost. The physical objects, fragile and delicate, are tended by professional conservators, with an eye to preserving them for the communities for purposes of commemoration and remembrance.
Remembering Through Preservation
A project to safeguard and commemorate the history of communities devastated on October 7.
Your support helps us document and preserve the stories and artifacts that bear witness to this tragic chapter in our history.
Donate via PEF (501c3 tax-deductible):
Make your contribution through PEF Israel Endowment Funds, Inc.
By Check:
Payable to “PEF Israel Endowment Funds, Inc.”
Note: “Remembering Through Preservation” in the memo
Mail to:
PEF Israel Endowment Funds, Inc.
630 Third Ave, 15th Floor
New York, NY 10017
By Wire Transfer or Stock Donation:
Contact PEF at info@pefisrael.org for details.
Thank you for helping us ensure that these stories are never forgotten.
Yad Izhak Ben-Zvi
Yad Ben-Zvi (YBZ) is a prestigious educational, cultural, and academic institution dedicated to researching and preserving the history of Jewish communities in the East, Jerusalem, and the Land of Israel. Established by legislative order of the Knesset in 1969 and named after Israel’s second President, YBZ is committed to advancing scholarship and sharing its findings with researchers, students, and the public.
Learn More About Our Project - Documenting the Documentation
Interim Central Storage Facility
The items collected by the Documentation Initiative are currently stored in multiple locations, many of which are improvised and do not meet the necessary conditions for proper preservation. As a result, these fragile and irreplaceable artifacts are at risk of further deterioration.
To ensure their long-term preservation and safeguard them for future generations, plans are underway for a central interim storage facility that will adhere to the highest professional standards. However, at present, the state is only able to provide partial funding to establish a facility that meets these critical preservation needs.
Time is of the essence. Without immediate action, these historical items—and the invaluable memories they represent—may be lost forever.
Team
US Special Advisor, Collections and Conservation
Lisa Elkin
International Advisory Committee
Alan Freeman
Director, Digital Heritage Projects
Yad Ben Zvi
Dina Grossman
Deputy Director and Chief Financial Officer
Yad Ben-Zvi
Adi Ofer
Director of the Visual History and Documentation Department & Curator, Yad Ben-Zvi
Dr. Nirit Shalev-Khalifa
Donate via PEF (501c3 tax-deductible):
Make your contribution through PEF Israel Endowment Funds, Inc.
By Check:
Payable to “PEF Israel Endowment Funds, Inc.”
Note: “Yad Ben-Zvi: Remembering Through Preservation” in the memo
Mail to:
PEF Israel Endowment Funds, Inc.
630 Third Ave, 15th Floor
New York, NY 10017
By Wire Transfer or Stock Donation:
Contact PEF at info@pefisrael.org for details.
Thank you for helping us ensure that these stories are never forgotten.
The Western Negev
Documentation Initiative
The Police Station Ruins
Spread Your Wings - from Kfar Aza
to Jerusalem
Hasida's Mosaics
Kissufim: Home Is Here
The Be'eri Class Flags
Interim Central Storage Facility
The items collected by the Documentation Initiative are currently stored in multiple locations, many of which are improvised and do not meet the necessary conditions for proper preservation. As a result, these fragile and irreplaceable artifacts are at risk of further deterioration.
To ensure their long-term preservation and safeguard them for future generations, plans are underway for a central interim storage facility that will adhere to the highest professional standards. However, at present, the state is only able to provide partial funding to establish a facility that meets these critical preservation needs.
Time is of the essence. Without immediate action, these historical items—and the invaluable memories they represent—may be lost forever.