Holocaust expert Yehuda Bauer dies at 98

Yehuda Bauer a prominent Holocaust scholar‚ passed away in Jerusalem at the age of 98. His work over six decades shaped global understanding of the Holocaust emphasizing its universal lessons and changing narratives about Jewish resistance

Born in Prague in 1926 Bauer fled to Palestine with his family in 1939. After studying in Wales‚ he returned to Israel‚ joining Kibbutz Shoval before settling in Jerusalem. His multilingual abilities (he spoke eight languages) allowed him to study source material in its original form and connect with audiences worldwide

Bauers academic career began in the 1960s‚ when Holocaust discussions were just starting in Israel. He pioneered research on Jewish resistance beyond armed struggle‚ examining aspects like smuggling and maintaining cultural traditions. His work helped change perceptions about Holocaust victims going “like sheep to the slaughter“

Some of Bauers notable works include:

• “American Jewry and the Holocaust“
• “Jews for Sale?“
• “Death of the Shtetl“
• “Rethinking the Holocaust“

The Holocaust is not only a particular event that affected particular people‚ but that the Holocaust was also universal

Bauer helped create the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) in 1998‚ a coalition of over 35 countries promoting Holocaust education and commemoration. He also contributed to the Working Definition of Antisemitism‚ used by many governments and organizations

Recognized with the Israel Prize in 1998‚ Bauer remained active until his final days‚ writing op-eds and contributing to academic discussions. Known for his deep baritone‚ he often sang duets with academic partners or Welsh folk songs

Bauer is survived by two daughters‚ three step-children‚ and numerous grandchildren