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Samuel Bak. Children Alone. Landsberg DP camp, 1945
Zinovii Tolkatchev (1903-1977) The Liberators Have Arrived
Rationale and Explanation for the Commemoration Project: 80 Years Since the Liberation of the Jews During the Holocaust
The 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Jews from Nazi oppression is a poignant milestone, offering an opportunity to educate younger generations about one of history's darkest chapters and its aftermath. By commemorating this significant moment, we not only honor the survivors and victims but also underscore the resilience of the human spirit.
As time moves us further and further away from the actual events of the Shoah, the enduring importance of remembrance becomes of greater responsibility to later generations. Projects and competitions such as this one, compel the learners to become partners in perpetuating the stories of Shoah victims and survivors, and ensuring they are remembered well into the future.
This competition is designed to engage students in a profound exploration of the historical, emotional, and moral complexities surrounding liberation. By delving into authentic stories and creating visual representations, students will develop a deeper understanding of the Holocaust's impact and the significance of liberation as a moment of hope and rebuilding amidst the devastation. Additionally, students will have access to an AI platform to work with Yad Vashem and other valuable resources during the learning and creative process. This will provide them with tools to better understand effective methods for fact-checking and identifying valid sources of information. This initiative not only commemorates the liberation of the Jews but also empowers the next generation to carry forward the lessons of history through knowledge, creativity, and empathy.
Explanation of the Project The competition invites teachers and their students to participate in an educational and creative initiative centered on the theme of liberation and return to life. The framework of the project is as follows:
1. Educational Component:
- Teachers will guide their students in studying the historical events of liberation using a specially curated database of Yad Vashem resources. These resources will include survivor testimonies, photographs, documents, and other primary sources that illuminate the characteristics and complexity of this pivotal time. There are also lesson plans on related topics.
These resources can be accessed here:
- Students will gain insights into the experiences of liberated Jews, exploring themes such as survival, rebuilding lives, and the challenges of moving forward in a world scarred by atrocity.
- Key themes and questions for consideration:
In the immediate aftermath of liberation, what were the first concerns of survivors ? Many prisoners survived the Nazi occupation by focusing only on their most immediate daily needs, and thinking about almost nothing else. How do you think this situation affected their experience of liberation? One of the greatest difficulties that liberated survivors faced was intense loneliness. What do you think is the difference between the loneliness that we all sometimes experience and the loneliness that Holocaust survivors felt after liberation? Photographs are among the documents we have from the liberation period. Is there anything we can learn from what we see in them ? Is there anything that we can’t see in them? Having overcome the first moments of liberation, how did Jewish survivors rebuild their lives? After the Holocaust, why did some survivors relocate to a new country while others returned to their hometown? In some cases, Holocaust survivors took many years and sometimes decades to tell their stories. Why did it take so long for them to share these stories with others? The Holocaust ended historically in 1945 with the end of WWII and the fall of the Nazi regime. From the point of view of the survivors, did the Holocaust have any dimensions that did not end in 1945?
2. Creative Component:
- Based on their research and understanding, students will create visual works, based on a true story, that reflect the characteristics and complexities of liberation and return to life.
- The emphasis will be on visual and artistic expression, with the requirement that each piece is rooted in historical accuracy and inspired by genuine accounts from the Yad Vashem database.
- Works can include paintings, drawings, photography, digital art, posters, artifacts, or other visual formats.
3. Timeline and Implementation:
- The project will be launched during the week of January 27th, International Holocaust Remembrance Day.
Teachers can register their students at the following LINK:
(one teacher can apply for more than one class or group). Once the registration is received by Yad Vashem, a link to a special AI platform will be sent. This optional AI platform can then be used to facilitate learning and creating with students.- Teachers will have until May 8th, 2025, to submit their students’ works to Yad Vashem. Please note that teachers may submit more than one piece per class. Projects with multiple elements should be presented as a collective, cohesive submission. Language of submissions must be English.
- The winners of the competition will be announced on June 2nd. Each of the three winning schools will receive a monetary prize and their projects will be displayed on Yad Vashem’s website. The other most outstanding projects will also be showcased online, making them accessible as teaching resources for educators worldwide.
Expected Outcomes
This project seeks to achieve several important outcomes:
- Educational Impact: Students will develop historical awareness, critical thinking skills, and empathy through engagement with authentic Holocaust stories.
- Creative Expression: Students will process and articulate their understanding of liberation in a meaningful and creative format.
For questions about the project contact: project.liberation@yadvashem.org.il
Alex Dancyg
The Project is Dedicated to the Memory of Alex Dancyg (1948-2024)