The Holocaust and the United Nations Outreach Programme has developed a wide variety of educational materials and resources in the six official languages of the United Nations in cooperation with leading Holocaust and genocide education institutions.
Poster Set “Some were Neighbours: Choice, Human Behaviour, and the Holocaust”
The exhibition “Some were Neighbours: Choice, Human Behaviour, and the Holocaust” was created and curated by the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. It addresses one of the central questions of the Holocaust: how did it happen? The exhibition examines the role of ordinary people in the Holocaust, and the variety of motives that influenced individual choices. These influences often reflect fear, indifference, antisemitism, career concerns, community standing, peer pressure, or chances for material gain. The exhibition considers individuals who did not give in to the opportunities and temptations to betray their fellow human beings, reminding us that there is an alternative to complicity in evil acts - even in extraordinary times.
Poster Set “The Butterfly Project: Remembering the Children of the Holocaust”
The Holocaust and the United Nations Outreach Programme has partnered with the Holocaust Museum Houston to produce a set of 14 posters based on the Museum's exhibition “The Butterfly Project: Remembering the Children of the Holocaust”. The exhibition outlines the impact of the Holocaust on children, and showcases an educational initiative called “The Butterfly Project” developed by Holocaust Museum Houston to teach this history to young people, encourage them to remember the 1.5 million children who perished and to stand up against hatred and prejudice. The posters are available in all six United Nations official languages.
Poster Set “State of Deception: The Power of Nazi Propaganda”
The Holocaust and the United Nations Outreach Programme has partnered with the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum to produce a set of 16 posters based on the Museum's exhibition “State of Deception: The Power of Nazi Propaganda”. The exhibition examines how the Nazis used propaganda to win broad voter support in Germany’s young democracy after the First World War, implement radical programmes under the party’s dictatorship in the 1930s, and justify war and mass murder. The exhibition emphasises why the issue of propaganda matters and challenges to question, analyse, and seek the truth. The posters and a lesson plan are available in all 6 United Nations official languages as well as Dutch, Kiswahili and Ukrainian. Download Lesson plan for State of Deception: The Power of Nazi Propaganda poster set here.
Educational DVD “The Path to Nazi Genocide”
The Holocaust and the United Nations Outreach Programme has partnered with the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum to make a film resource and educational package available to educators around the world in all United Nations official languages. The film, “The Path to Nazi Genocide”, was produced by the United States Holocaust Memorial
Using rare footage, the film examines the Nazis’ rise and consolidation of power in Germany and explores their ideology, propaganda, and persecution of Jews and other victims. It also outlines the path by which the Nazis and their collaborators led a state to war and to the murder of millions of people. By providing a concise overview of the Holocaust and those involved, this resource is intended to provoke reflection and discussion about the role of ordinary people, institutions and nations between 1918 and 1945.
The film is intended for adult viewers, but selected segments may by appropriate for younger audience.This film was made possible by generous support from Dr. Donald and Sue Hecht, the Bernice and Milton Stern Foundation, the Louis and Henrietta Blaustein Foundation and the May Family Endowment for Civic Responsibility.
Educational DVD “Footprints for Hope”
“Footprints for Hope” the educational materials include a lesson plan and a film that centre around one of the most painful graphic images from the Holocaust, the shoes of the victims who perished in Nazi death camps. The idea behind the project is to stimulate interest amongst the students to learn more about the Holocaust. Through an activity and discussion built around an everyday "ordinary" item that is a necessity to all people, the students can better connect with the victims and their stories. The discussion may shift from past history to current acts of discrimination and violence. Students can examine their role in helping to prevent racism and prejudice from spreading in their communities, while exploring their common humanity. The project concludes with an element of hope, symbolized by the painting of ordinary footwear with vivid colours, representing a brighter future. This is both an individual and group activity, which enables each student to do his or her part to symbolically improve the group's immediate surroundings.
Educational materials were created by: Paul Salmons, Head of Curriculum Development, Holocaust Education Development Programme, Institute of Education, University of London, which aims to provide a research-informed, innovative and nationally coordinated programme to help teachers teach about the Holocaust effectively. The principal focus is on developing a national programme of professional development in Holocaust education that will be offered free of charge to teachers in every secondary school in England.
Study Guide “The Last Flight of Petr Ginz”
The Holocaust and the United Nations Outreach Programme has produced a 32-page study guide for students aged 13 and up that serves as a companion to the animated documentary film “The Last Flight of Petr Ginz”, on the life and artwork of Petr Ginz, a Jewish boy from Prague who perished in the Holocaust at the age of 16. The publication features Petr’s art and writings, and provides historical context for the film and information about the United Nations, human rights and Holocaust remembrance activities.
https://www.un.org/en/holocaustremembrance/EM/pdf/petrginz_eng.pdf
Study Guide and Educational DVD “Women and the Holocaust”
Each chapter of the study guide “Women and the Holocaust” explores different situations and ways in which these courageous and caring women struggled to survive. Through their determination, leadership, compassion, dedication, courage and willpower, they fed their families, helped to maintain a sense of community and religious traditions and faced Nazi persecution with dignity and strength.
https://www.un.org/en/holocaustremembrance/EM/pdf/Women%20and%20the%20Holocaust%20(English).pdf
Discussion Papers Journals
The Discussion Papers Journal series is a compilation of papers written by leading Holocaust and genocide studies scholars from around the world. The series aims to engage the minds of students and spark lively discussions to expand their awareness of how hatred, discrimination and human rights abuses are shaping world events today. Teachers and students will examine what the implications are for the future and what could and should be done by the international community to stem the tide of violence, ensure the rule of law and protect the most vulnerable. The views expressed by these scholars do not necessarily reflect those of the United Nations.