The Resilience of Antisemitism: The Lies of The Protocols of The Elders of Zion

GRADE LEVEL: High School

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

Since its contrivance at the turn of the twentieth century by the Russian secret police, The Protocols of the Learned Elders of Zion (or The Protocols of the Elders of Zion) has taken root in bigoted and uneducated minds around the world. The booklet’s twenty-four sections spell out the alleged confidential plans of a Jewish conclave seeking to attain world domination. They represent the most notorious political forgery of modern times. Although thoroughly discredited, the document is still being used to stir up antisemitic hatred.

Will Eisner was deeply concerned about the resilience of antisemitism and the persistence of the conspiracy theory that Jews have a plan to control the world. Applying his talent and creativity to further expose the notorious antisemitic treatise as a forgery, Mr. Eisner produced The Plot—a graphic history of The Protocols—with a goal toward educating all, but especially younger generations.

This three-part high school curricular unit has been prepared as a companion to Will Eisner’s The Plot. It aims to increase student understanding of the history of antisemitism and the destructive influence of antisemitic stereotypes over time and throughout the world. The lessons also raise awareness about the tactics used to spread hate propaganda, and provide students with the skills to respond effectively to hate on the Internet and in other arenas.