Yitzhak Arad

Yitzhak Arad was a distinguished historian and military official, whose career spanned multiple fields and countries. Born in 1926, he would go on to become a prominent figure in Israel, serving as a brigadier general in the Israeli Defense Forces. Additionally, Arad had a notable past as a Soviet partisan, highlighting his early involvement in military affairs. His expertise, however, lay in the field of history, with a particular focus on the Holocaust.

Arad's academic and professional pursuits culminated in his appointment as the director of Yad Vashem, a position he held from 1972 to 1993. As a historian, he authored several works and was recognized for his contributions to the study of the Holocaust. Throughout his life, Arad's unique blend of military and historical experience informed his research and leadership, leaving a lasting impact on the field of Holocaust studies. He passed away in 2021, leaving behind a legacy as a respected historian, author, and military official.