Teaching about the Ukrainian Refugee Crisis
Use this mini-lesson to introduce students to the experiences of Ukrainian refugees fleeing war, highlight inspiring ways people have stepped up to help, and raise ethical questions about the treatment of refugees from non-European countries.
![Ukrainian Refugees crossing a fallen bridge.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-07/2022_RussiaUkraineConflict_FH2168262.jpg?h=7fb2964e&itok=suTcwNTN)
Holocaust Trivialization and Distortion
Use this mini-lesson to introduce students to contemporary examples of Holocaust trivialization and prompt reflection on the question “What are the implications of comparing current events to the Holocaust?”
![Jewish badge in the hands of a man stock photo.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-08/iStock-967655408_Medium_res.jpg?h=7fb2964e&itok=J4UYQe6A)
Samuel Bak’s Illuminations Audio Tour
This audio tour features commentary by Holocaust scholar Lawrence Langer on the 28 paintings in Holocaust survivor Samuel Bak’s Illuminations collection.
![Illustration "Concept" by Samuel Bak](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2024-03/BK1575_print.jpg?h=9f9ace78&itok=yBDsz5pI)
The Refugee Crisis and 1930s America
Students are introduced to the many factors that influenced Americans’ will and ability to respond to the Jewish refugee crisis, including isolationism, racism, xenophobia, and antisemitism.
![A crowd of American men and women hold signs protesting Nazi Germany's actions.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/AP_3811161102_Medium_res.jpg?h=00d1719e&itok=OsmUgwd2)
Refugees and Rescuers: The Courage to Act
Students explore the intertwined personal stories of Jewish refugees who attempted to flee to the United States and the American rescuers who intervened on their behalf.
![Four people pose for a photo in front of a large window.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/35_Winter_Medium_res.jpg?h=561852fb&itok=YfAD_ATi)
Confronting Genocide Denial
Students will explore some of the causes and consequences of denying the Armenian Genocide and reflect on the role of public art to commemorate difficult histories.
![A mural by Arutyun Gozukuchikyan a.k.a. ArtViaArt in Los Angeles.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/Armenian_Genocide_mural_card_Medium_res.jpg?h=24afd704&itok=69iBr0p0)
European Jewish Life before World War II
Students analyze images and film that convey the richness of Jewish life across Europe at the time of the Nazis’ ascension to power.
![Shabbtai (Shepske) Sonenson takes one of the shtetl's Hebrew teachers for a ride on his new motorcycle.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/Holocaust_1941_ShabbtaiSonensonOnMotorcycle_FH2115443.jpg?h=d392e916&itok=DmuRlDw6)
Introducing the Unit
Students develop a contract establishing a reflective classroom community as they prepare to explore the historical case study of this unit.
![A high school student writes on a piece of paper.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/StudentinClassroom.jpg?h=2992ba0a&itok=BSyOt4Mw)
Nationalism and the Aftermath of World War I
Students consider the ways in which World War I intensified people’s loyalty to their country and resentment toward others perceived as a threat.
![Map showing major alliances and advances of the Central and Allied powers during World War I.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-05/Map_32_Europe_ME_WWI_1914_18.jpg?h=38e4958f&itok=hSmRZuQZ)
The Rise of Nationalism and the Collapse of the Ottoman Empire
Students turn their attention to the collapse of the Ottoman Empire and the emergence of a strong current of ethno-nationalism rooted in Turkish identity.
![A group of men gather to pose at the Young Turk Revolution Declaration.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/Young_Turk_Revolution_-_Decleration_-_Armenian_Greek_Muslim_Leaders.png?h=08cc71c4&itok=pqdymtBL)
The Rise of the Nazi Party
Students examine how choices made by individuals and groups contributed to the rise of the Nazi Party in the 1920s and 1930s.
![The Parade of the Political Administrators in Nuremberg, Germany.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/Holocaust_1933_GermanPartyDay_%20FH229691.jpg?h=193b5c49&itok=QZdPclXH)