In the center of discussion were the repercussions that the Eichmann trial had on universal and international jurisdiction, especially with regard to national and international war crime tribunals.

The opening speech was delivered by Justice Dorit Beinisch, President of the Supreme Court of Israel. Having served as Bach’s assistent in the early years of her carrier, Justice Beinisch called the Eichmann trial a “victory of life over death and of democracy and freedom over fascism and despotism”. It was in this context that she emphasized Gabriel Bach’s achievements, concluding that it was him who prevented the trial from becoming a mere show.

Afterwards, Justice Bach shared his experiences during the proceedings against Adolf Eichmann. Until Eichmann’s lawyers arrived, Bach was the only contact between the Nazi war criminal and the outside world. During the trial, written evidence and witness reports would haunt Bach even in his sleep.

Justice Bach’s account refuted the thesis according to which Eichmann was only following orders: "From a certain point onwards, Eichmann was more obsessive than his superiors.“ According to Bach, Eichmann said during the last months of the war: "I know the war is lost - but I will still win my war“.

Bach stated that the media coverage of the Eichmann trial made the Shoa a topic in Israeli households and school curriculae. The process became a further landmark in proving that war criminals and those who have committed crimes against humanity are never and nowhere safe from legal persecution.

The following discussion panel impressed with a dispute between Prof. Dr. Albin Eser, the former director of the Max Planck Intitute for Foreign and International Criminal Law, and Prof. George Fletcher of Columbia University about the principles of justice and fair trial. Both agreed that the Eichmann trial was a crucial step towards the establishment of the International Court of Justice.

In the second panel Lord Dennis Byron, President of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, and Justice Claudia Fenz who is part of the planning-team for tribunals in Cambodia, reported from their work in international and hybrid courts. Dr. Maya Steinitz provided insight into socio-psychological aspects of the Eichmann trial. Following each panel, questions from the audience related the discussed issues to the current situation in Israel and the region.

The symposium honored Justice Gabriel Bach’s long-time engagement for justice and reconciliation. It highlighted the link between Bach’s incomparable commitment to the Eichmann trial and the subsequent development of international law.

Franziska Schaaf/Rolf Behrens