Chapter The Holocaust & Jewish Identity

Inquiry Overview:

In this inquiry project, students will explore the treatment of Jewish people in Germany during two critical periods: the years leading up to the Nazi regime and the aftermath of World War II. By examining historical events, students will gain an understanding of the discrimination and persecution faced by Jewish communities before and during the Holocaust. A central figure in this inquiry will be Elie Wiesel, a Holocaust survivor, whose personal experiences provide a powerful lens for understanding the human impact of these atrocities. Students will study his life, writings, and reflections on the Holocaust to better understand the experiences of Jewish people during this dark chapter in history. In addition, students will examine how the German government has worked to acknowledge and atone for its past actions, focusing on post-war policies, reparations, memorials, and educational efforts to preserve the memory of the Holocaust. The culmination of the project will be a structured debate and a written essay, in which students will analyze and argue whether Germany has done enough to atone for its past treatment of Jewish people. Through this process, students will practice critical thinking, historical analysis, and respectful debate skills, while also engaging with important questions of justice, memory, and responsibility.