What is justice after the Holocaust?

The Holocaust destroyed Jewish life in Europe. Sinti and Roma, political opponents, and millions of civilians were victims of Nazi crimes and war of aggression. These acts of genocide and mass murder were carried out by a large number of men and women. Even before the war had ended, efforts began to bring perpetrators to justice. A process that continues to this day.

The thousands of trials have served multiple purposes. Beyond establishing individual responsibility, they have helped shape legal precedent and historical narratives. As a result, new laws and legal practices emerged. The concept of genocide was defined, and international law became a central framework for justice.

In this exhibition, you will explore the many thousands of cases brought after the Holocaust and gain an understanding of how both the Holocaust itself and the efforts to address Nazi crimes have shaped our present.

What you will find in the exhibition

• The legal proceedings after the Holocaust. From the earliest trials to the present day
• The people in the courtroom: prosecutors, defense attorneys, judges, witnesses, and defendants
• Interviews with people explaining the trials, the historical context, and their relevance today
• A staged courtroom process based on the play The Investigation by Peter Weiss
• Unique objects from the museum’s collection and the Nachman Zonabend Archive