Annual Meeting of the International Commission in Rome

Shared commitment to remembrance across national borders

Representatives from the eleven member states discussed recent developments, strategic issues, and next steps for their work together. Plans for the institution’s upcoming 80th anniversary in 2028 were also a key focus of the meeting. All the member states are keen to contribute to the preparations and presented their initial ideas.

Chair of the International Commission passes from Italy to Israel

The chair of the International Commission, a role that rotates annually among the member countries, passed from Italy to Israel at the meeting in Rome. Italy, which held the chair in 2025–26, handed over the role to Israel, which will hold the chair in 2026–27.

The outgoing Italian chair, Dr. Sabrina Mingarelli from the Directorate General of Archives in the Italian Ministry of Culture, expressed her gratitude to all IC members for their commitment:

“It has been a great honor for Italy to chair the International Commission over the past year. As we hand over this responsibility to Israel, we hope we have made a valuable contribution, and we are grateful to all the members of the IC and the entire Arolsen Archives organization for their cooperation. Our shared commitment to remembrance, historical truth and human dignity extends beyond national borders and remains at the heart of our common mission.”

Notable developments during Italy’s tenure included the appointment of the new director of the Arolsen Archives and closer cooperation between the Central State Archives of Italy, the State Archives of Rome, and the Arolsen Archives. This cooperation involved the provision of permanent remote access to the Arolsen Archives’ central database, aimed at expanding opportunities for research. A new collaboration on documents relating to “Italian Military Internees” was also launched.

Continued commitment to education and remembrance

The Commission’s incoming chair, Arezoo Hersel-Rohila, a diplomat with the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Director of the Department of Combating Antisemitism and Holocaust Remembrance, emphasized the outstanding importance of the Arolsen Archives, especially in the current climate, and outlined the priorities for Israel’s term as chair: 

“During Israel’s chairmanship, we hope to further strengthen the vital work of the Arolsen Archives in close cooperation with Yad Vashem, drawing on its expertise in Holocaust remembrance, research, education, and documentation.

Together, we aim to expand access to historical records, preserve and make accessible the stories of victims of Nazi persecution, while paying particular attention to Jewish communities – including those that remain underrepresented in existing documentation – and promote education and remembrance.

At a time of rising antisemitism, Holocaust distortion, and hatred, the work of the Arolsen Archives is more important than ever, reminding us that memory is not only about understanding the past, but also about shaping the present and protecting the future.”

What is the International Commission?

The International Commission (IC) oversees the work of the Arolsen Archives on behalf of former victims of persecution. It is made up of government representatives from its eleven member states: the Kingdom of Belgium, the French Republic, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Hellenic Republic, the State of Israel, the Italian Republic, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Republic of Poland, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the United States of America. The IC meets twice a year on a regular basis. The chair rotates annually.