Petry Erik

Prof. Dr. phil. Petry Erik is a Research Associate and Deputy Director of the Center for Jewish Studies at the University of Basel, and holds an honorary doctorate (Dr. hc) from the Emile Dreyfus Teaching and Research Center. He specializes in modern Jewish history, Zionism, and oral history, with a focus on Germany, Switzerland, and the Middle East.

• Education: M.A. in medieval/modern history from the University of Göttingen (1989); Ph.D. (1998) and Habilitation (2010) from the same institution.
• Research Stays: Extended periods in Israel (1992–2010, funded by DAAD/Rotary).
• Roles: President of the Swiss Society for Jewish Studies (2003–present), expert at Swiss Youth Research, and contributor to exhibitions (e.g., 1997 '100 Years of the First Zionist Congress in Basel').

His research integrates oral and memory history, addressing themes like early Zionism, German Jewish migration, and Middle East conflicts. Teaching focuses on 19th/20th-century Jewish history and culture.

• Awards: Dr. hc (2010).
• Grants/Projects: DAAD-funded research in Israel, leadership training for Jewish youth (Likrat).

He collaborates with educational institutions in Switzerland and Poland, designing exhibitions and workshops on Middle East history and teacher training.