The Importance of Holocaust Education

One of the reasons that the Holocaust took place was that the Nazis convinced their followers that Jews, gypsies, the disabled and homosexuals were fundamentally different – even “subhuman” – from Germans. While Nazi propaganda was extremely powerful, it was only effective because of pre-existing prejudices. Prejudice arises from ignorance. When we are ignorant about people who are different from us – whether in terms of race, religion or ethnicity – it becomes all too easy to see them as “not like us,” and dis- like or fear them. Since the Holocaust, the world has been repeatedly traumatized by racial, religious and ethnic persecution, often rooted in ignorance and fear.

This year’s Holocaust Essay contest will focus on how we can use the lessons of the Holocaust to encourage tolerance, acceptance and respect for others.

 
 

2023-2024 Holocaust Essay Question

Antisemitism affects Jewish people throughout the United States and the world.  The word antisemitism means prejudice against or hatred of Jews. Much like racism, antisemitism is a predetermined opinion of others that is not based on any reason or actual experience, but rather ignorance about them that can lead to their mistreatment in often dangerous ways. One of the effects of antisemitism is that it tears at the very fabric of a society, sometimes pitting neighbor against neighbor and friend against friend. 

The Holocaust, the state-sponsored persecution and murder of six million Jews by Nazi Germany and its collaborators, is one of history’s most extreme examples of antisemitism. The Holocaust was not a single event; it did not happen all at once. It was the result of systematic, targeted attacks on innocent Jewish people over many years.  People who rose to political power in Germany in the early 20th century made it a crime to be Jewish. Any non-Jew who helped a Jewish person could also be punished. 

Today, we are witnessing an unprecedented rise in antisemitism. Attacks on synagogues in the    United States are becoming more common. Social media, reaching every corner of the world, spouts antisemitism daily to students and adults alike. Holocaust education has been shown to foster social responsibility, civic worth, and a greater willingness to challenge intolerant behavior in others. It also demonstrates the dangers of prejudice, discrimination, and dehumanization --  be it the antisemitism that fueled the Holocaust or other forms of racism and intolerance that we see every day in our news and social media feeds.

 Middle School, grades 6-8
No more than 250 words

 A “stereotype” is a generalization about a person or group of persons. We develop stereotypes when we are unable or unwilling to obtain all of the information we need to make fair judgments about people or situations. Our society often innocently creates and perpetuates stereotypes, but these     stereotypes often lead to unfair discrimination and persecution when the stereotype is unfavorable.

Using the example of the Holocaust, discuss how stereotypes can be dangerous.

 

High School, grades 9-12
250- 500 words

 Nearly 80 years ago, as the Holocaust ended and people in the death camps were liberated, survivors began to say: “Never again.” Never again would there be a systematic attempt to destroy the Jewish people. Never again would genocide devastate any ethnic, national, racial, or religious group. 

Does humanity learn from history? Explain your point of view through the example of the Holocaust.

  

There are two divisions in the contest: the middle school division (6th – 8th grade) and the high school division (9th -12th grade).

 Guidelines:

  • Entries must be typed, double spaced and include a title page that lists the author’s name, school, teacher, grade, phone number and email address.  Submissions missing requested information will automatically be disqualified.  Essays will NOT be returned.

  • Middle School essays should be no more than 250 words

  • High School essays should be 250 – 500 words

  • Entries must be postmarked by March 10th

  • Teachers may send a MAXIMUM of ten essays per classroom

Entries are to be mailed to
Jewish Federation of Greater Baton Rouge
14241 Coursey Blvd., A-12 #356
Baton Rouge, LA 70817

Contest finalists will be contacted ahead of time and winners will be announced at a special Holocaust Memorial Service on May 5, 2024.  Details to follow at a later date.

Prizes will be awarded in each division of the contest.

1st place           $50 gift card to Barnes & Noble, $50 cash

2nd place          $35 gift card to Barnes & Noble, $25 cash

3rd place           $35 gift card to Barnes & Noble, $20 cash

If you have any questions, please contact me at 225.379.7393 or via email at ellen.sager@jewishbr.org.

 Thank you for your participation