Unit XI: Gringlas Unit on Antisemitism after the Holocaust | The Center for Jewish-Inclusive Learning Portal

Topic

The Holocaust

Summary

In this four-lesson unit from Echoes & Reflections, high school students investigate the ways in which old ideas about Jews and Judaism have given rise to new expressions of antisemitism. Students learn about the diversity of Jewish life and culture in the world today, analyze historical and contemporary antisemitism to understand how antisemitism has morphed in the modern era, learn how antisemitism may sometimes be related to political, racial, or religious ideologies, and identify current features of antisemitism including Holocaust denial and distortion, and demonization of Israel.

Students also reflect on the skills and dispositions needed to respond effectively to antisemitism and are introduced to individuals who refuse to be bystanders to bigotry. The unit seeks to help students understand the harm antisemitism causes to democracy and society, and the responsibility of all to respond to and prevent antisemitism.

In this unit, students investigate how long-standing ideas about Jews and Judaism have evolved in the modern era. They explore how today’s forms of antisemitism intersect with political, racial, and religious ideologies, and often feature Holocaust denial and distortion, as well as the demonization of Israel.

Students also reflect on the skills and strategies needed to effectively recognize, respond to, and help prevent the manifestations of antisemitism that threaten democratic society today.

This unit also includes a short video on the Gringlas Family, in whose memory and honor the unit is named.

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