The National Library of Israel and the Palestinian Museum are both actively collecting and preserving materials related to the October 2023 conflict. These institutions, despite their geographical proximity and differing perspectives, share the common goal of documenting a pivotal moment in history, albeit from contrasting viewpoints. This undertaking, fraught with emotional complexities, underscores the importance of preserving diverse narratives within the context of conflict to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the events for future generations. This endeavor highlights the vital role museums and libraries play in archiving not just physical objects but also the human experience of conflict and its impact on individuals and communities.

Preserving the Narrative: The National Library of Israel’s “Bearing Witness” Collection

The Scope of the Collection

The National Library of Israel’s “Bearing Witness” collection encompasses a wide array of materials, reflecting the multifaceted nature of the October 2023 conflict. From the deeply personal—spiral text messages revealing urgent pleas for help, poignant oral testimonies from survivors, and ordinary items like coffee cups imbued with the weight of history—to the broader context—GoPro footage captured by Hamas militants, and artwork expressing a range of emotions—the collection seeks to capture a holistic picture of the events. The sheer volume of digital material alone is staggering, equating to the digital equivalent of 50 billion pages, emphasizing the monumental task of preservation and organization. This comprehensive approach highlights the library’s commitment to recording the human experience during a time of intense trauma. The sheer scale of the collection underscores the magnitude of the events and the library’s resolve in capturing the full range of perspectives.

The Emotional Toll of Preservation

The task of preserving such emotionally charged materials takes a heavy toll on the librarians involved. Raquel Ukeles, head of collections, candidly shares her personal struggle, acknowledging the heartbreaking nature of the task, especially when confronted with images of children caught in the conflict’s crosshairs. Her emotional response underlines the inherent human cost of war and the deep emotional resonance of the collection itself. The work isn’t just about preserving physical artifacts; it’s about grappling with the raw human suffering embedded within them. This empathetic response reflects the library’s dedication not only to documenting history but also to honoring the victims.

The Challenges of Selection and Objectivity

Curating a collection of this magnitude presents unique challenges, particularly regarding selection criteria. The library aims to gather as much material as possible, recognizing the uncertainty of future historical significance. This proactive approach ensures that a wide range of perspectives and viewpoints, irrespective of immediate relevance, are captured for potential future research and analysis. However, maintaining neutrality in a deeply polarized environment is paramount. While the library seeks to remain apolitical in its preservation efforts, it grapples with questions of objectivity and how to fully reflect all aspects of such a conflict. The acknowledgment of these internal debates reflects the Library’s ethical responsibility in presenting a truly balanced historical record.

A Palestinian Perspective: The Palestinian Museum’s Response

Documenting Resistance and Resilience

In contrast to the National Library of Israel’s approach, the Palestinian Museum focuses on documenting the experiences and perspectives of Palestinians, particularly those within Gaza. Their collection, “Museum on the frontlines,” serves as a powerful platform to showcase Palestinian art and artists’ work, serving as a testament to Palestinian resilience and resistance. The pieces speak to the cultural and human costs of ongoing conflict, representing both destruction and attempts to rebuild. The collection reflects a commitment to actively challenge dominant narratives about the conflict. The process of amassing these works, often involving smuggling artworks out of Gaza, reflects both creative ingenuity and the challenges posed by ongoing restrictions. The decision to incorporate debris from previous exhibitions as part of their collection highlights this inherent relationship between physical materials and experiences of conflict.

The Artist’s Role in Times of War

The artists whose works are displayed at the Palestinian Museum play a critical role in preserving their cultural memory and providing a platform to contest dominant narratives. Their narratives not only encapsulate Palestinian resilience but also challenge perspectives portrayed in mainstream discourse. These works condemn the ongoing suffering and the complexities of daily living. Through their art, the Palestinian artists not only showcase their ability to create during war but also offer commentary on the wider political environment. This approach acknowledges that artwork is more than mere aesthetic creations; it acts as powerful documentation of collective experience. Their creative outputs reflect their humanism and highlight the importance of artistic expressions in reflecting both personal experiences and national identity in times of duress.

The Significance of Memory and Imagination

Director General Amer Shomali highlights the vital role of culture and art during conflict. The importance of collective memory and imagination as crucial components to maintaining national identity in the face of external pressures is emphasized.  The museum’s initiative works towards fostering both a collective reflection on the current crisis and a vision for the future. Their aim is not merely to recount the past but to contribute toward building a hope for the future, allowing Palestine to narrate and shape their future free from pressures exerted from the outside. It aims to inspire a better tomorrow and help them reflect upon their collective identity and experience.

Navigating the Ethical Challenges of Documentation

The Unease and Contrasting Perspectives

The efforts of both institutions are met with challenges—emotional tolls and questions of selection—as well as the complexity inherent to navigating opposing viewpoints regarding the very essence of the events documented. This creates tension within both narrative frames: one institution aims to archive an unfolding narrative within the framework of a clear aggressor-victim narrative, while another contextualizes the entire matter within a long and complex history. These opposing narratives illustrate the intrinsic difficulties of presenting objective, multifaceted accounts of conflict. The differences in framing between the museums highlight the challenge of reconciling vastly different experiences and interpretations of historical events, raising questions about representation, narrative control and the limitations inherent in documenting and preserving memories in highly politicized environments.

The Role of Museums and Libraries in Conflict Zones

Museums and libraries serve as critical repositories of memory, especially during times of conflict. Their role extends beyond mere archival functions; they shape public discourse by determining which stories are preserved and how they are presented. Both museums and libraries operate within highly politicized and emotionally fraught spaces. It is critical that they remain cognisant of the impact their selection processes and curatorial choices have on how people comprehend the experiences of those whose narratives are recorded. They provide invaluable insights for understanding the broader implications of conflict, while contributing to discussions on healing and reconciliation. Through their actions they attempt to convey the severity of the conflict, and the need for healing and recovery. These actions raise critical discussions on documentation during conflict.

Take Away Points

• The National Library of Israel’s “Bearing Witness” collection and the Palestinian Museum’s parallel efforts showcase the vital role of cultural institutions in preserving narratives of conflict.
• The sheer volume and emotional weight of the collected materials highlight the immense human cost of war.
• The differing perspectives and challenges faced by both institutions emphasize the complexities of documenting conflict objectively.
• The involvement of artists and personal testimonies enrich the understanding of experiences beyond official accounts.
• Both projects illustrate that preserving and sharing memories from all perspectives during conflicts are crucial steps toward fostering dialogue, understanding, and ultimately, peace.