The Bernard H. and Miriam Oster Visual Documentation Center
"A picture is worth a thousand words" they say. The Bernard H. and Miriam Oster Visual Documentation Center of ANU - Museum of the Jewish People
then, is worth countless volumes.
Indeed, the Center is one of the richest and most diverse collections of photographs depicting Jewish history, heritage, creativity and communal life, and over 800 rare films and self-produced documentaries about Jewish life worldwide.
Recognized as an international center of Jewish documentation, the Oster center is a valuable resource for scholars, publishers, journalists, the media, institutions and members of the general public who are interested in Jewish culture, history and communal life.
The visual documentation collections cover a vast array of Jewish life, including: communities, synagogues, public institutions, culture, art, holidays, ceremonies, family and home life, lifestyles, trades, professions, key personalities and events.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Photographs and Films Database include?
The database documents hundreds of thousands of visual items—historical photographs, documents, certificates, films, and home movies that document Jewish communities, events, figures, and institutions in Israel and worldwide.
How can I search for an item in the database?
You can search by keywords (place name, topic, person) or by the item's identification number if known.
Is it possible to get a digital copy of a photograph or film?
Commercial, educational, or any other publication use requires a license request and approval from the museum. To use materials from the database, please contact us at the following email: simonab@anumuseum.org.il
Am I allowed to use the photos freely?
No. All photographs and films are protected by copyright. Their use is permitted only with prior approval and according to the museum's policy. To use materials from the database, please contact us at the following email: simonab@anumuseum.org.il
Is it possible to add missing information about a photo?
Absolutely. You can send the museum identifications of people, places, or events that appear in the photograph. The information will be reviewed and added to the existing data if possible. If you have a correction to suggest, you can contact us at the following email: simonab@anumuseum.org.il
Does the database also include old films in rare formats?
Yes. The database also contains rare films that have been converted to digital formats to preserve them.
Do you provide scanning services?
The Oster Visual Documentation Center at ANU - Museum of the Jewish People produces high-quality digital copies and scans according to the customer's needs and based on the following values:
- Resolution: 300 – 1200 dpi
- Image size: Dimensions in centimeters or according to A3/A4/A5, etc.
- Requested scanning method: CMYK, RGB, Greyscale, etc.
- Requested file format: jpg, tiff, etc.
The scans will be sent by email. The shipping method is subject to the size and technical specifications of the files. This service is subject to a fee and depends on the collection's affiliation. Updated prices will be detailed later.
Terms of Use and Payments for Publication Rights
The prices listed above do not include payment for publication rights. The terms of use and prices for publication rights are determined by the type of material and the purpose for which the images are requested. Publication approval is granted subject to an agreement that includes terms of use and is valid only for the purpose for which the images were ordered. Images, in any format they are provided (prints, transparencies, slides, scans), may not be transferred to a third party.
Can I offer to donate photos, photographs, films, etc., to the museum?
Yes, you can contact us at the following email: simonab@anumuseum.org.il