The Holocaust

• The word has Greek origins and means “sacrifice by fire.”• Systematic, state sponsored

persecution and murder of 6 million Jews by Nazis and their collaborators.

How did this happen?

Anti-Semitism

Anti-SemitismPrejudice, hostility, and/or hatred for Jews.

The Roots of Anti-SemitismI. Race vs. Ethnicity

A. It is a misconception that Jews are a race.

B. Race: Thought of as biological. Based on physical characteristics.

Below are the race categories from the U.S. Census. How

would you describe yourself?• Caucasian• African-American• Hispanic/Latino• American Indian/Alaska Native• Asian• Pacific Islander/Native Hawaiian

C. Ethnicity: Cultural traits and shared history with a certain group of people. 1. Belief that you descend from this

group. 2. Personal identification.

Below are some examples of ethnicities common in the U.S. What ethnicity do

you identify with?

• Chinese• German• Irish• Italian• French• Russian

• Polish• Greek• Arab• Dutch• Japanese• Puerto Rican

• Navajo• Somali• Iraqi• Scottish• Mexican• Jamaican

What is the difference?

• Is race something that can change? Can we choose our race?• Is ethnicity something that can

change?

D. By claiming Jews were a race, it could be said they were genetically inferior to other races.

E. Jews are an ethnic group, spread throughout the world because of the Diaspora.

II. Treatment of Jews in Medieval Europe

A. During the 1200’s, restrictions were placed on Jews:

1. Special yellow badges they had to wear.

2. Live in ghettos, apart from Christians.

3. Listen to Christian conversion speeches.

B. Jews in England, France, and Germany were robbed and exiled.

III. Jews in 18th Century AustriaA. Required to wear a yellow arm badge if they did

not have a beard.B. Not allowed to buy vegetables or cattle before 11

am.C. Paid extra taxes for 10 years to earn citizenship.

IV. Jews in 18th Century RussiaA. Could not

attend public universities or become generals in the army.

B. The government often started pogroms.

Pogrom• A riot or violent mob attack directed

towards a particular group of people.• Usually approved of by the government

or military.

Closure1. How have Jews been treated

throughout history?2. What are some reasons they have

been treated like this?3. Provide 2 specific examples of anti-

Semitism.