Beth Hatefutsoth, the Nahum Goldmann Museum of the Jewish Diaspora, exists to convey the story of the Jewish people from the time of their expulsion from the Land of Israel 2,500 years ago to the present. It relates the unique story of the continuity of the Jewish people through exhibition, education and cultural endeavours, providing multiple avenues of personal historical identification. Our hope is that by sharing the unique story of Jewish endurance, new generations may find the key to their own. Many come and experience: young and old, religious and secular, Israelis and tourists, civilians and soldiers.

The idea to establish Beth Hatefutsoth was originally proposed in the late 50's by Dr. Nahum Goldmann, the founder and President of the World Jewish Congress. The idea was to create a monument to the Jewish Diaspora, past and present. The final concept of the Museum was based on the proposal of the poet Abba Kovner to divide the Permanent Exhibit into six thematic parts. When it opened in May 1978, Beth Hatefutsoth was regarded by many museum experts as one of the most innovative museums in the world. It created a whole new concept of what a museum is and has influenced museum culture since. Today Beth Hatefutsoth has evolved into far more than a museum: it impacts and touches the lives of Jews not just in Israel but throughout the world. It is truly, in every sense of the word, the Museum of the Jewish People.

The Web site "The Museum of the Jewish People ONLINE" has been ONLINE since December 1996 and has since become a popular and dynamic center of Jewish culture, offering advice and guidance in all matters related to Jewish life and heritage. We consider our site as a window, allowing us to reach out to people who do not have the opportunity to pay a "real" visit to the Museum, becoming an alternative channel of information and services for that public. Thousands of requests have reached us from people inquiring about their Jewish roots and heritage from all corners of the world - and we are happy to answer all of them. We have to admit that being on the Internet has been a rewarding experience, giving us cause for much pleasure and pride.

In the future, we hope that "The Museum of the Jewish People ONLINE" will become the first address for those searching for information on Jews and the Jewish people. Towards that end, we will continually be adding content exclusively maintained at Beth Hatefutsoth, as well as links to other resources of Jewish interest on the Internet.

Please watch us as we grow and don’t forget... your feedback helps us to keep on with the good work!

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