Pavel Batel

בַּת־אֵל

Bat-El Tours

בַּת־אֵל

Bat-El Tours

Pavel Batel

Author, Documentarist, Independent researcher.

Pavel Batel is author with several books to his credit, all rooted in his independent research of Terezín. Although Pavel does not hold an academic degree, his research has earned deep respect among Holocaust survivors, reputable institutions, and professors who actively seek his expertise. Over the past two decades, Pavel has conducted interviews with over thirty survivors of World War II, bringing a unique and personal perspective to his work. His expertise extends beyond writing—he passionately lectures at Jewish communities, schools, and universities, contributing significantly to Holocaust commemoration. In recent years, Pavel has also established a team of educators to represent his research, ensuring that his work continues to reach and inspire audiences worldwide.

How it started:

Friendship with survivors and personal commitment.

Our team was founded by the renowned independent researcher Pavel Batel, who brings over 20 years of experience exploring the history of Terezín. Although Pavel does not hold an academic degree, his research has earned deep respect among Holocaust survivors, reputable institutions, and professors who actively seek his expertise. However, Terezín is only one chapter in the rich and complex story of Jewish history in our country. Before the Holocaust, our country was home to over 160 Jewish communities.

While many synagogues and cemeteries survived the Nazi occupation, they suffered from neglect and disregard during the communist era. Today, under the guidance of Pavel and Yvonne, our team is dedicated to uncovering and preserving Czech Jewish history.
We have assembled a group of passionate, dynamic individuals with diverse historical interests. Together, we travel to abandoned synagogues and Jewish cemeteries, conduct interviews, and shine a light on the often-forgotten stories of our Jewish heritage. Our mission is to bring attention to the lost chapters of this history and ensure they are never forgotten.

Pavel Batel interviewing Prof. Felix Kolmer.

Prof. Kolmer dedicated his life to Holocaust commemoration.

Traveling to meet survivors and eye witnesses.

Pavel Batel’s dedication to preserving Terezín’s legacy led him to travel extensively, forming trusted connections with Holocaust survivors and their families. He visited countries like Italy, Israel, and England, interviewing individuals who had lived through Terezín or whose relatives had held significant roles in the ghetto.

In Rome, Pavel interviewed the son of Benjamin Murmelstein, the last Elder of the Terezín Ghetto, whose family had been held hostage during his father’s negotiations with Adolf Eichmann. This rare conversation shed light on the impossible decisions faced by ghetto leaders.
Pavel’s research also took him deep into archives, uncovering overlooked documents and personal correspondence. By blending historical investigation with survivor testimonies, he brought to life untold stories of resilience and leadership. His work not only preserved the history of Terezín but also honored the humanity of those who endured it.

Achim Belinsky

in Israel with Achim Beginsky, who survived Terezín under harsh conditions, was known for his exceptional stealth. His skill at sneaking into various block kitchens ensured he was never hungry during his time in the ghetto.

Petr Erben

In Israel, Petr Erben provided a powerful and unforgettable testimony about Fredy Hirsch, Terezín’s sports events, and the care of children and youth in the ghetto. He described the Terezín experience as the most significant part of his life.

Amos Hausner

In Israel, Amos Hausner explained how his father, Gideon, became the main prosecutor in the 1961 trial of Adolf Eichmann. As Israel's Attorney General, Gideon prepared the case, presenting over 100 witnesses.

Peter Lang

In Israel with Peter Lang, a survivor of Terezín, Auschwitz, and Kaufering, spent two and a half years in Terezín. He shares crucial insights into daily life in the ghetto and the events leading up to his transportation to Auschwitz.

Jehuda Bakon

Israeli artist and survivor, Jehuda Bacon, witnessed the heroism of Fredy Hirsch and the compassion of Přemysl Pitter. After years of effort, Pavel Batel fulfilled his dream of interviewing this remarkable figure in Jerusalem.

Jeremy Adler

in London with Jeremy Adler, British writer and philosopher, and son of H. G. Adler, a Terezín and Auschwitz survivor whose works were pivotal in Holocaust studies and used in Adolf Eichmann’s interrogation.

Wolf Murmelstein

In Rome Wolf Murmelstein, liberated at the age of 8, is the son of Benjamin Murmelstein, the last Elder of the Terezín Ghetto.

Ruth Bondy

Pavel Batel interviewed Ruth Bondy, a legendary historian, Terezín and Auschwitz survivor, and renowned Czech writer and translator. Bondy is best known for her book Jakob Edelstein, a crucial work for anyone studying Terezín.

Vera Maiseles

Vera Maisels, the author of renowned Terezín poetry, is pictured recounting her harrowing experiences—stories following her arrest, her transportation to Auschwitz, and the children’s plays performed in Terezín.

Rueben Fisherman

At age 15, Rueben Fisherman from Denmark helped his family escape the Gestapo, but was later arrested and sent to Terezín. He never saw his father and brother again, learning of their tragic fate years later.

In April 2017 on Yom Ha Shoa (Holocaust Memorial Day) Pavel was invited to I24 News life broadcasting in Tel Aviv where he presented forgotten stories of Terezin.

Example of Pavel Batel's research

Interview with Ruth Bondy, famous historian, Terezin and Auschwitz survivor, Czech writer and translator (author of the book "Jakob Edelstein" - necessary for every Terezin scholar).

Jehuda Bacon experienced angelic actions like those of Fredy Hirsh (a mentor and protector of Jewish children in Terezin and Auschwitz), and at the same time the heroic actions of Jesus Christ, Premysl Pitter (a Christian priest who protected Jewish children.

Achim Beginsky survived Terezin living in the same situation as Gerda. He was exceptionally stealthy and his skill at sneaking into various block-kitchens ensured he was never hungry in Terezin.

Pavel Batel in London with Jeremy Adler, British writer, philosopher and poet (son of H. G. Adler, Terezin and Auschwitz survivor - the most important Terezin historian and author of crucial books used during interrogation of Adolf Eichmann).

Petr Lang: Terezin, Auschwitz and Kaufering survivor, who spent two and a half years in Terezin, describing important facts about everyday ghetto life, and events prior to his Auschwitz transportation.

Pavel Batel and his collection of books about Terezin Ghetto-camp and Terezin Small fortress.

Videos