The Development of Holocaust Research in Yad Vashem Studies, Volume 35:2

The Development of Holocaust Research: A Personal Overview

Raul Hilberg’s article is based on remarks he delivered at the closing session of the conference “Holocaust Research in Context: The Emergence of Research Centers and Approaches” held at Yad Vashem in November 2004. In his comments, Hilberg analyzes the development in Holocaust research, dividing its history into three periods: the early research and writing period, the period of organized research, and the mature period involving recognition of the complexity of the subject. Hilberg identifies key points in Holocaust research in each period, highlights the main research sources, and discusses the difficulties and pitfalls facing researchers in each of these periods.