Yad Vashem School for Holocaust Studies: Righteous among the Nations

Welcome to the seventh issue of Teaching the Legacy, the e-newsletter of the International School for Holocaust Studies at Yad Vashem. This issue focuses on the Righteous Among the Nations, those who risked their lives to save Jews during the Holocaust. The main article covers the educational potential of teaching this subject in the classroom, and provides examples of specific historical cases. Accompanying the article are two resources touching on the Righteous Among the Nations – one on the film “Schindler’s List” and the second on the female protectors of Anne Frank. This e-newsletter also includes a section of book reviews, as well as updates on recent events and activities in the “What’s New” sections. We hope you will find this newsletter of interest and we look forward to your feedback.

Teaching about the Righteous Among the Nations in the Classroom

IntroductionThis article will examine how the courageous actions of the Righteous Among the Nations can be highlighted when teaching and commemorating the Holocaust.By introducing examples of some of the Righteous Among the Nations, the teacher can introduce historical content, and religious and moral values, while personalizing events of the Holocaust. This important historical lesson can be taught through various disciplines such as history, religion, civics, and literature.In Holocaust-related research and literature, the word "Righteous" is the term used for those who saved Jewish...

Schindler's List as an Educational Tool

For High School Students

Upon its release, Schindler's List proved to be extremely successful. A recipient of seven Academy Awards, the movie exposed millions from around the world to the Holocaust. Steven Spielberg, who both directed and produced the film, conveyed certain messages by filming the movie in black and white, with only a few scenes in color; for example, the scene of the liquidation of the Krakow Ghetto. Oskar Schindler watches the aktion from atop a mountain near the ghetto. Schindler's eyes are drawn to a little girl who is wearing a red jacket. By giving this otherwise anonymous...