Antisemitism After the Holocaust

GRADE LEVEL: Middle School, High School

COMMON CORE STANDARDS: Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening, Language

The lessons in this unit increase students’ understanding of Jewish people and awareness that antisemitism did not end after the Holocaust, and provide them with opportunities to learn about the persistence of antisemitism in its contemporary forms. Students investigate the ways in which old ideas about Jews and Judaism have given rise to new expressions of antisemitism. In addition, students are introduced to individuals who refuse to be bystanders to bigotry as they explore the responsibility of all members of society to respond to and prevent antisemitism.

Learning Objectives:

• Learn about the diversity of Jewish life and culture in the world today.

• Define and analyze historical and contemporary antisemitism in order to understand how antisemitism has morphed in the modern era.

• Assess how historical forms of antisemitism have influenced and find expression in current manifestations of antisemitism.

• Explain how antisemitism may sometimes be related to political, racial, or religious ideologies.

• Identify current features of antisemitism including Holocaust denial and distortion, and demonization of Israel.

• Reflect on the skills and dispositions needed to respond effectively to antisemitism.