Personal letters in research and education on the holocaust

Through a case study of a group of Jewish refugees stranded in Yugoslavia 1939-1941 who were ultimately murdered by the Nazis, the article suggests how a systematic and careful use of personal letters can aid historical research in general, and the study of the Holocaust in particular. A methodological approach is recommended with respect to the inherent problem of the 'sketchy' nature of such documentation. The use of letters, together with individual diaries allows us insight into the everyday life of the historical actors, victims and others, and thereby, allows both historians and their students to 'follow in the footsteps of the heroes' and see them as human beings with emotions, aspirations and problems.