1. Teaching about the Holocaust allows us to understand the impact of history on our society:
• The Holocaust was a defining event in the history of humanity that shook the foundations of Western
civilization and transformed international politics and justice.
• The study of the Holocaust helps us to understand key concepts such as democracy, dictatorship,
propaganda, collaboration, resistance, intervention, and genocide.
• The Holocaust impacted the United States in a variety of ways. By studying the Holocaust with a focus on
the peripheral role played by the American government and some of its citizens, we can learn more about American
society, as well as American Jewish communities. Suggestion: PBS series — The U.S. &
The Holocaust/Ken Burns
2. Teaching about the Holocaust helps us to understand the impact of history on human beings:
• Analyzing the accounts of Jewish men and women's experiences brings a human dimension to the study of
the
Holocaust and helps us find the right balance between critical analysis and empathy with the victims. These
personal accounts allow us to see events from the victims' point of view, and where relevant, to understand
how
they resisted spiritually and physically.
3. Teaching about the Holocaust allows us to study the impact individuals can
have on history:
• Studying the behavior of individuals during the Holocaust and situating them in a historical context
allows us to highlight what power citizens had at that particular time. It can also lead us to consider what
power citizens have today.