Lesson originally published Jan. 27, 2018.
Note: This video contains graphic images of the Holocaust. Please preview before showing to your students.
Video Summary:
- International Holocaust Remembrance Day is held each year on Jan. 27, as a way to remember the killing of 6 million Jews and millions of others during World War II.
- Holocaust survivor Reva Kibort tells the story of when German soldiers came to Warsaw, Poland. She was taken to a concentration camp at age 12; many children her same age were killed as well as her mother and father, cousins and grandparents.
- At a time when extreme right-wing groups, including anti-Semitic and anti-Muslim groups are on the rise, Kibort says, "We have to speak up. Wherever you see injustices at all, you have to speak up."
Discussion questions:
- Essential question : Why are memorial events like International Holocaust Remembrance Day held?
- What are some other days of the year in which we memorialize the fallen or honor those who've suffered?
- When did you first learn about the Holocaust? From your family? In school? A book or a movie?
- How do you think the Holocaust should be taught?
- Read the quote by Reva Kibort one more time (see #3 above). Can you think of a time when you or someone you knew stood up to injustice? What were the circumstances? How did you feel at the time? How about now?
- What are some ways you can take a stand against intolerance and bigotry?
Extension activities:
- Watch “It Can Happen Again”: Minnesota Holocaust Survivor Speaks on Charlottesville, Surviving and How We Can Stop Hate with Reva Kibort via KVRR News (Aug. 17, 2017).
- Read "Indelible Nightmare: The Holocaust" via World War II Museum with more stories from the Holocaust. Warning: graphic images.
- Every Thursday night, the PBS NewsHour profiles people and their passions in the series Brief but Spectacular as a way to share original voices the public might otherwise not see. Using the Lesson plan: What’s your “Brief but Spectacular" take? tag #BriefButSpectacular and @NewsHourExtra so we can all see your students work. Teachers–we’d love it if you participated as well.
- Read this Teachers' Lounge piece for a teacher's perspective on remembering the Holocaust.
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