Beit HaEdut, Nir Galim

A museum shaped by survivors

Beit HaEdut was established in the early 1990s by Holocaust survivors associated with the Bnei Akiva movement in Central Europe. Its setting in Moshav Nir Galim connects the founders’ European experiences with the community they helped build in Israel. The museum explores mutual aid, Jewish identity and the choices involved in rebuilding lives after the war. Personal stories provide the starting point for its educational work.

The rescue story of the Glass House

Opened in 2014, the Glass House display examines the rescue of Jews in Budapest. It centres on a building owned by Jewish glass merchant Arthur Weiss that became a hub for rescue operations. The account follows Swiss diplomat Carl Lutz, Moshe Krausz and members of Zionist youth movements. Films, a historical timeline and interactive questions lead into a guided discussion about personal initiative and responsibility for other people.

Encountering a historic railway carriage

The museum presents an authentic railway carriage from the Holocaust period. Its description links the carriage to the deportation of Jews and uses the object to discuss transport conditions, the loss of familiar life and dehumanisation. This is sensitive material. For a school or family visit, speak to the education team beforehand about how this part of the programme will be introduced and discussed with the participants.

Auschwitz-Birkenau through guided VR

The “Following Their Footsteps” module offers a guided 360-degree virtual visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau. After viewing through VR headsets, participants move into the physical barrack exhibition to examine prisoners’ daily lives and their struggle to survive. This combination connects the virtual locations with an exhibition in the museum itself. Ask for the module specifically when arranging a visit and discuss its suitability for your group.

Programmes for different visitors

Agree the visit before travelling

Tell the museum the participants’ ages, the size and type of group, and the themes you want to explore. Confirm the selected displays, guiding language and duration directly. The website lists educational activities, testimony and workshops, but the itinerary is tailored to the visitors. Regular opening hours do not mean that an unannounced visit can be accommodated. Wait for confirmation of your arrangement.

Opening hours and appointment rules

Sunday–Thursday

08:30–16:00

All visits require advance arrangement.

Evenings and Fridays

By arrangement

Additional activities can be organised in advance; fixed extra hours are not published.

Shabbat and holiday eves

Closed

A visit after Shabbat ends can be arranged separately in advance.

Address and museum contacts

Discuss access requirements in advance

Questions about visiting

• Do all visitors need to book ahead? Yes. All visits and educational activities require advance arrangement, including visits by individuals.
• Can I visit alone or with my family? Yes, subject to arranging a suitable time with the museum. Most activities are designed for groups, and individual visits depend on availability.
• What are the regular opening hours? Sunday–Thursday, 08:30–16:00, by advance arrangement. Evenings, Fridays and visits after Shabbat ends require separate coordination. The museum is closed on Shabbat and holiday eves.
• What is the Glass House display about? It tells the story of Jewish rescue efforts in Budapest involving Carl Lutz, Moshe Krausz and youth movements. Film and interactive material support a discussion of human choices and responsibility.
• Are there school programmes? Yes. The museum publishes programmes for grades 5–12, divided into age groups. Agree the particular displays and educational content with the team.
• Is the VR tour included in every visit? Automatic inclusion is not stated. The Auschwitz-Birkenau VR experience is a distinct educational module; ask about including it when planning the visit.
• Is the entire museum wheelchair accessible? Full access to every space is not confirmed. The main entrance has a ramp and the route from parking is partly accessible. Discuss the required route and any room restrictions beforehand.
• How do I contact the museum and find it? Call +972-8-856-8476 or use WhatsApp +972-8-645-7384. The address is Moshav Nir Galim, 7924500. A Waze navigation link is available on the official website.