Summer 2017

 

 

Jason Hochman in the Hecht Museum’s storage

facility researching artworks of the Ghez Collection,   

procured by Dr. Oscar Ghez after the Second World War.

How my study abroad year changed my life?

Jason Hochman

MA in Holocaust Studies, The Weiss-Livnat International MA Program, School of History

Nationality: United States/Israel

Background: BA in Judaic and Near Eastern Studies from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Study Abroad alumnus of the University of Haifa (2010). Jason currently studies and works at the

University as an undergraduate admissions coordinator for the International School.

 

Interest in Holocaust studies?

J.H. - “My study abroad year at the University of Haifa was a turning point for me. I shifted my study direction

to investigating anti-Semitism in its historical and contemporary forms, and later made Aliyah to Israel and joined

the IDF. Serving as a non-commissioned officer for the COGAT (Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories)

unit in the West Bank really allowed me to immerse myself into Israeli life. For me, starting a new life in Israel and

serving in the IDF was something that I felt I had to do, both for myself and for all those who never had the chance to do so.

Favorite course?

J.H. - “This year a new art curation course opened, led by art historian Dr. Rachel Perry. Like detectives we are tasked with tracing

the origins of art works donated to the Hecht Museum by Dr. Oscar Ghez. The process has been very exciting. Our work has taken

us to other archival facilities, including the Ghetto Fighters’ Museum.

Unique academic experiences?

J.H. - “I took part in an incredible two-week Meeting Point Summer Conference at the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews in

Warsaw, bringing together Israeli, Polish and German students to explore their shared history through lectures, workshops and in-depth

museum tours. I also participated in the Student Curating Project and Seminar at the Atlit Detention Center, a project familiarizing students

with conceptual and practical aspects in curating historical sites.”

Plans for the future?

J.H. - “In the future I would love to continue to explore the curatorial aspects of the Holocaust.”

 

     Further Reading: Preserving the Memory of the Holocaust in a Complex and Changing World

 

                                                                                                                                                               

Stamps on the back of paintings are clues for researchers that trace

the journey of the artwork from one place to another.