In Memory Of...
An Internet Hotlist on The Holocaust

created by Mrs. Cinco in partnership with Mrs. Hamilton, Ms. Rallo, and Ms. Schibani
Sagamore Middle School Library

Introduction | Identification Cards | Terms | Invasions | Ghettos | Concentration Camps | Resistance


Introduction
 The Holocaust was the systematic murder of Jews and others deemed racially inferior or politically dangerous by the Nazis during World War II (1939-1945). Adolf Hitler, the leader of the Nazis party, became the head of the German government and eventually dictator of Germany. The Nuremberg laws of 1935 denied citizenship to all Jews. Jews were forbidden to marry non-Jews and the laws defined who was a Jew or part Jewish (a Mischling). Jews were deprived of their rights and possessions. They could not sit on park benches or swim in public pools. They were not allowed to maintain businesses.

As time passed, the Nazis moved the Jews into ghettos and then into concentration camps. Other European countries fell under Hitler's rule and the Jewish citizens therein were sent to concentration camps as well. Conditions in these camps were beyond horrible and death rates were high as a result of malnutrition and disease.

Surprisingly, some actually survived such brutual living conditions. Much has been written about this horrendous time. One such book, 'The Cage' written by Ruth Minsky is a compelling memoir of the author's life from 1939, when the Germans invaded her native Poland, to the 1945 liberation of the concentration camp in which she was held prisoner. Another is the story of Anne Frank from the discovery of her remarkable diary. The diary, which was given to Anne on her 13th birthday, chronicles her life from June 12, 1942 until August 1, 1944. This world-classic play is a powerful reminder of the horrors of war and an eloquent testament to the human spirit.

Ruth Minsky was first sent to a labor camp in Mittelsteine. Anne Frank was transferred to the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, where she died of typhus in March 1945.

You have the name of a child of the Holocaust. Following your research, you will create a eulogy for those who died or a tribute speech for those who survived. Be sure to include:

-what life was like before the nazi invasion?

-what life like during the nazi invasion (did he/she go into a concentration camp/if so where/what kind of work did he/she do at this camp)?

-what was life like after the liberation if they survived?

Remember, your person was a child during the late 1930's early 1940's just as you are a child today. These children endured living conditions beyond our imagination but try to place yourself in their shoes. Where their name appears, for the moment, place your own. Think about the loss of family and friends or perhaps not living to your current age at all. Or, think about what it took to survive and how that affects your life beyond the Nazi occupation. Think about all that you have now and how your person barely had a crust of bread to eat or a coat for warmth. Your eulogy or tribute will contain facts of course, but the emotion will come through as well.







The Internet Resources

Identification Cards

Terms

Invasions

Ghettos

Concentration Camps

Resistance
created by Filamentality Content by Mrs. Cinco in partnership with Mrs. Hamilton, Ms. Rallo, and Ms. Schibani, dcinco@sachem.edu
http://www.kn.att.com/wired/fil/pages/listtheholoci1.html
Last revised Wed Feb 8 11:39:05 US/Pacific 2012