Holocaust Education In Night By Elie Wiesel

680 Words3 Pages

The Holocaust, which occurred during the Second World War, is one of the most devastating and catastrophic events in human history. It is a tragic event that left an everlasting scar on the face of history. This major historical event resulted in the mass murder of millions of people, primarily Jews, by the Nazi regime. The historical relevance of the Holocaust cannot be overstated. It is a reminder of the dangers of authoritarianism, fascism, and anti semitism. The Holocaust serves as a warning to future generations of the atrocities that can occur when people are motivated by hate and intolerance, blindly following and allowing politicians to overtake government institutions. Teaching about the Holocaust is crucial in order to provide individuals …show more content…

Historical sources, including first hand accounts like “Night,” and informative articles provide compelling insights into why Holocaust education is vital to achieving these goals. Author, Elie Wiesel, in “Night,” shares his personal experiences as a survivor of the Holocaust. He emphasizes the importance of remembering and studying this tragic piece of history. He explains, “Never shall I forget that night, the first night in camp, that turned my life into one long night, seven times cursed and seven times sealed” (Wiesel). This encapsulates the profound impact of the Holocaust on individuals, transforming their lives forever. It spreads a deeper understanding of the lasting effects of the Holocaust and fuels a commitment to prevent similar occurrences from happening in the future. Additionally, an article by Maya Yang also helps highlight the pressing need for Holocaust education, particularly due to the rise of antisemitism. Yang argues, “When you teach people about prejudice, stereotyping, conspiracies and disinformation and how to go through those weeds, it is like teaching someone to fish. They carry that for a lifetime”(Yang). By studying the Holocaust, people learn about the dire consequences of hatred which therefore fosters a commitment to combat and challenge such forces in the …show more content…

Wiesel emphasizes the importance of questioning and critically examining historical events, stating, “I swore never to be silent whenever and wherever human beings endure suffering and humiliation” (Wiesel). He highlights the significance of critically evaluating information and standing against injustice. By studying the Holocaust individuals learn to analyze propaganda and stand up for what is right in order to prevent future cruelties from taking place. In similarity, Yang’s article stresses the power of teaching about the Holocaust to promote empathy and humanity towards victims and have a deeper understanding of their struggles. She writes, “when we can make the connections and have the students see the patterns of dehumanization, the patterns of propaganda … [and] discrimination, then they can connect with the material that may be from decades in the past” (Yang). Through such sources, individuals are able to develop a connection to victims and survivors, cultivating empathy that extends beyond just the Holocaust but also any source of injustice and discrimination. This inspires individuals to actively oppose such dehumanization and strives for a more compassionate and inclusive

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