Week Summary: Upstanders and Bystanders

11/14: Le Chambon
We watched a film on Le Chambon and were introduced to the concept of "conspiracy of goodness." The villagers of Le Chambon provided shelter for around 5,500 Jews and were even able to convince the Nazis who resided in or were passing through the area to ignore what was happening. We also were exposed to the importance of background and past experience in dealing with genocide. Because the villagers descended from a persecuted people and resistance was a part of their culture, they also were trained to be upstanders.

11/16: Bystanders and Resistors/America and the Holocaust
We discussed readings from the blue book and different individuals' reactions to the events of the Holocaust. We also learned through film about the United States' reaction to the Holocaust, especially the difficulties for Jews in being permitted to enter the United States. The film also discussed the struggle of many Jews in America to advocate for resistance from America.

Lingering Questions:
-Does one's historical background affect one's ability to respond to acts of genocide?
-What role can children play in resistance? Why do women and children seem to less suspected of being resistors?
-Can the American government be held responsible for a part of the Holocaust because it withheld information about it from its citizens?
-How did the forced movement of Jews into areas other than American set up other conflicts (ie in Palestine)?