Debate: "Holocaust Research after October 7, 2023: Changes, Continuities, Challenges"

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The first debate in the series Ethics in Holocaust Research, titled Holocaust Research after October 7, 2023: Changes, Continuities, Challenges, organized by the Emanuel Ringelblum Jewish Historical Institute in Warsaw, took place on October 9, 2025.

The discussion featured the following participants:

  • Prof. Barbara Engelking

  • Prof. Magdalena Saryusz-Wolska

  • Prof. Michał Bilewicz

  • Dr. Kamil Kijek

The debate was moderated by Dr. Michał Trębacz, Director of the Jewish Historical Institute.

Researchers from leading academic institutions discussed how the Hamas attack of October 2023 and the ensuing war in Gaza have influenced - and continue to influence - Holocaust scholarship.

The conflict in the Middle East has arguably never before had such a significant impact on academic and museum communities. University protests, attempts to boycott Israeli scholars, and a decline in interest in Jewish studies are just some of the consequences of the ongoing war. In the face of accusations against Israel concerning war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and even genocide, Holocaust scholars are under increasing moral pressure to take a public stance.

Participants in the debate reflected on how the academic community is responding to these pressures. They also discussed the evolving role of research and cultural institutions, as well as the future of scholarship in light of global tensions and conflicts.

This event marked the inauguration of the Polish National Node of EHRI-PL.

More information about the European Holocaust Research Infrastructure - European Research Infrastructure Consortium (EHRI-ERIC).

The debate was livestreamed on the Institution's Facebook, recorded, and will be available on our YouTube channel.

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Photos: Grzegorz Kwolek

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The debate was organized within the framework of EHRI-PL and co-financed by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage of Poland as part of the project: 
"Ongoing operations of the Polish National Node of EHRI-PL – the EHRI-ERIC consortium, implemented by the Emanuel Ringelblum Jewish Historical Institute for the years 2025–2027 in cooperation with national partners." 

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