New Director for the Arolsen Archives
Moritz Wein Takes over as Director
The Arolsen Archives have a new Director: Moritz Wein is taking over as head of the world’s largest archives on victims and survivors of National Socialist persecution.
With Moritz Wein, the Arolsen Archives gain a proven expert on Holocaust Education and the prevention of antisemitism with a wide international network. His last position was Deputy Head of the Department “Bilateral international affairs – Holocaust Education” at the Austrian Federal Ministry of Education. In addition, he brings extensive experience from international bodies, inter alia as Chair of the “Holocaust, Genocide and Crimes against Humanity” committee of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance and as Vice-Chair of the European Holocaust Research Infrastructure. Prior to that, Moritz Wein served as Deputy Acting Director at ERINNERN:AT. He succeeds Floriane Azoulay who chaired the Arolsen Archives from 2016 to 2025.
Culture of Remembrance seen as Mission for the Present and Democracy
Moritz Wein understands the culture of remembrance not only as a historical review, but as an active societal mission for the present – especially in times when democratic values and historical facts increasingly come under pressure. “The Arolsen Archives belong to the victims, to the survivors, and to their children and grandchildren. This perspective is of central relevance to my work as director“, explains Wein. “At the same time, we bear responsibility for the present. Remembrance and education regarding the crimes committed by National Socialism are particularly effective when they connect to people’s real lives.”
Focus on Education
The directorate of the Arolsen Archives is appointed by the International Commission in accordance with the Berlin Agreement, which defines the objectives and tasks of the institution. The supervisory body consists of representatives from eleven countries.
The current Chair, Sabrina Mingarelli, Direzione Generale Archivi, in Rome, states: “On behalf of the International Commission, I am pleased to announce Moritz Wein as the new Director of the Arolsen Archives. Following a thorough and competitive selection procedure, Mr. Wein emerged as the top-ranked candidate. The International Committee has full confidence in his vision, leadership skills, and expertise in the field of Holocaust remembrance and education. We are looking forward to cooperating with him, as he guides the Arolsen Archives in their mission to preserve memory, to promote active remembrance, and to strengthen democratic values.”
Katrin Werdermann de Rodriguez from the German Foreign Office and representative of Germany in the International Commission, also welcomes the decision. “I congratulate Moritz Wein on his new, responsible position. Both, professionally and personally, he has what it needs to guide the Arolsen Archives through times of deep change and to position them for the future. I wish him the best of luck in this endeavor!”