In order to create an educational and value-based discourse that encourages discussion of the issues of coping with difficult circumstances, the human spirit and the complexity of moral dilemmas, the International School for Holocaust Studies recently launched a learning environment that deals with the topic of the Righteous Among the Nations.
The term "Righteous Among the Nations" has become a symbol throughout the world and the supreme expression of heroism and choosing good over evil. These people stood in complete contrast to the mainstream of indifference and hostility that was common during the Holocaust in Nazi-controlled Europe. While the majority of the population stood on the sidelines in the face of the persecution of the Jews, in accordance with their natural tendency to protect themselves and those close to them in times of difficulty and crisis, the Righteous Among the Nations managed to see the Jews as people like themselves, towards whom they had a moral obligation. Reverend André Trocmé, one of the figures whose stories appear in the learning space, said:
"These people came here to receive assistance and shelter. I am their shepherd. A shepherd never abandons his flock [...] I don't know Jews, I only know human beings."
For this reason, this topic is of great educational importance and relevance today.
In order to present the complexity and almost impossible reality in which the rescuers worked, five stories from different places were chosen for the new learning environment with the assistance of Righteous Among the Nations Department Director Dr. Joel Zisenwine. Each story emphasizes a unique aspect, and highlights the difficulty of that rescuer and the great risk he or she took in the rescue process.
The rescue stories are presented in the form of a short films, each accompanied by archival photos from the period, visually describing the background from which each rescuer came, what they went through during the war and their work to save Jews. The films give a broad point of view of the war, along with a unique angle on the situation in different countries and rescuers from different backgrounds.
Through the films and the accompanying educational activity, the students are helped to understand the starting points of the rescuers, the historical background in which they were acted, and the motives that led them to actively rescue Jews. The main educational conclusions that can be reached with the students are diverse and important – the fact that most rescuers started as bystanders and went through a significant process until they decided to save Jews; understanding the difficulties and dangers faced by the rescuers; the turning point that made them act; and more.
The voice of the Holocaust survivors, who were saved thanks to the Righteous Among the Nations that hailed from different regions, is also heard in this environment, and completes the complexity of the phenomenon. "They hid us [...] and put themselves in danger for two years," describes Rivka Levison, who was saved thanks to Petronella Koster.
"There are 12 months in a year, four weeks in one month, seven days in one week, 24 hours in a day [...] Consider for one moment what it is to be in mortal danger for two years [...] Consider for one moment the dread. That is greatness. [...] How did these simple people do what they did? [...] Would I do it? Everyone should ask themselves that question."
The understanding that the actions of the rescuers were extraordinary at that time, and the gratitude the survivors still feel for their rescuers are significant educational messages that are vital to discuss with students today.
