Topics
- Antisemitism
- The Holocaust
Summary
In this activity, students view videos that examine the belief systems and stereotypes that animate antisemitism. They learn its historical definition and hear from an expert who explains that antisemitism is more than a prejudice – it’s a worldview.
Students also hear testimony from Jewish Holocaust survivor Judah Samet, a devout member of the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, PA, who recounts his narrow escape from the antisemitic shooting in 2018 that claimed the lives of 11 of his fellow congregants.
In addition to exploring contemporary expressions of antisemitism, students examine the persistent myths related to Jews and power, disloyalty, and greed, as well as Holocaust denial. They gain insight into the rise of antisemitic incidents in the U.S., including harassment, assault, and vandalism that affect thousands of people each year.
This activity intersects with Echoes & Reflections Unit 11: Gringlas Unio on Contemporary Antisemitism. As a part of the series, Explore the Past, Shape the Future, this lesson includes a special set of student-facing activities created by Echoes & Reflections – a partnership between ADL, the USC Shoah Foundation, and Yad Vashem and is located on the IWitness website.
Part of a Unit
