Major Holocaust Archive Now Available Online for Global Access

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The Wiener Holocaust Library has launched an extensive online platform, making over 150,000 items from its vast collection digitally accessible for the first time. This announcement coincides with Holocaust Memorial Day and follows a multi-year digitization initiative aimed at preserving and sharing important historical documents.

Founded 90 years ago, the Wiener Holocaust Library has been a crucial resource for understanding the impact of fascism in Europe. The newly available materials include letters, pamphlets, photographs, and unique items, such as "hidden writings" used to smuggle anti-Nazi propaganda into Germany.

Dr. Toby Simpson, director of the library, emphasized the importance of this project in reaching new audiences and serving as a modern means of “bearing witness” to the Holocaust. The archive highlights significant events, including the actions of British fascists and the anti-fascist movements that opposed them before and after World War II.

Among the collection's treasures is a logbook from Thomas Cook's office in Lisbon, which documents Jewish refugees’ attempts to escape Europe. This searchable database offers descendants the chance to uncover stories about their families' pasts during this tumultuous period.

The library plans to continue utilizing its digitized content to foster a deeper understanding of historical events and their relevance today, while implementing restrictions to protect information on existing extremist groups.

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