Anti-Semitism in Europe “Anti-Semitism had become suddenly very rampant...” – H. Henry Sinason, Jewish Survivor
Key Words Anti-Semitism Aryan Caricature Chanukah Crusades dehumanization Der Stürmer “Final Solution” Hitler Youth Kippah Kosher Nazi Nazi ideology Propaganda Rassenkunde Scapegoat Social Darwinism Socialism Stereotype Storm Troopers swastika
Anti-Semitism Definition The word ‘anti-Semitism’ was coined in 1879 in Germany in an attempt to define anti-Jewish sentiment on a scientific basis. Unlike the traditional religion-based hatred of Jews, anti-Semitism was to justify the rejection of Jews as a different people, nation, and later race, that threatened the mere existence of the national unity and the state.
Summary of Anti-Semitism Handout Underline or highlight examples of stereotypes in the handout. Discussion questions: 1. In what way did Nazi ideology create a new form of anti-Semitism? 2. What does the term “scapegoat” mean? 3. Can you think of another example of a group of people within a country being unfairly blamed for an event?
Not in Our Town Discussion Questions: 1. What is a hate group? Why do you think some people choose to join hate groups? 2. How are people recruited into hate groups? 3. How is the ideology of hate groups today similar to Nazi racial ideology? 4. What risks did the people of Billings take when they decided to act against what was happening in their community?