1. Justice After the Holocaust
Using the Resources of Facing History to teach
Justice After the Holocaust

2. Chapter 10: Judgement and Justice

3. Set Induction: Think of a time when someone wronged you or someone you care about. Maybe you or someone you love was treated unfairly on purpose, or maybe it was an accident.
Think Pair Share: After this event, what would have needed to happen for “justice to be served”?

4. “Justice is…”

5. Essential Questions of the Unit:
What is justice?
Can justice be achieved?
If yes, how? If no, is there merit in trying?

6. Final Essay Prompt:
Respond to the statement: “Justice was achieved after the Holocaust.” Explain whether you agree or disagree, using specific examples from our studies.

7. Include key terms:
Crimes Against Humanity
International Law
Justice
Rights
Evidence
Ex-post facto justice / victor’s justice
Vengeance, revenge
Nuremberg trials
Responsibility
Reparations
Punishment
Repair
Healing
Forgiveness

8. Four Corners Activity:
Decide whether you Strongly Agree (SA); Agree (A); Disagree (D); or Strongly Disagree (SD) with each statement provided.
(Based on “Anticipation Guide”)

9. Four Corners Activity:
Do you Strongly Agree (SA); Agree (A); Disagree (D); or Strongly Disagree (SD)?
“It is possible to achieve justice for the crimes committed during the Holocaust.”

10. Four Corners Activity:
Do you Strongly Agree (SA); Agree (A); Disagree (D); or Strongly Disagree (SD)?
“The victors in a war have the right to punish the defeated countries however they wish.”

11. Four Corners Activity:
Do you Strongly Agree (SA); Agree (A); Disagree (D); or Strongly Disagree (SD)?
“Those responsible for the Holocaust should have been immediately killed or jailed; they do not have a right to a trial in a court of law.”

12. Four Corners Activity:
Do you Strongly Agree (SA); Agree (A); Disagree (D); or Strongly Disagree (SD)?
“Bringing perpetrators to justice in courts is an effective way to prevent future crimes.”

13. “Nuremberg Remembered” (Video):
It so important to listen to the voices of those who experienced these events and see historical footage from the period.
Link to the Video

14. Gallery Walk:
Add your comments, questions to each of the texts. Respond to the comments and questions of others.
(Activity based on HHB readings and handouts.)

15. Debrief: In what ways did the texts address the Essential Questions of the unit:
What is justice?
Can justice be achieved?
If yes, how? If no, is there merit in trying?

16. Enrichment Activity: Read and discuss “The Sunflower” by Simon Wiesenthal and consider:
What is the relationship between “Justice” and “Forgiveness”?
Are there actions that are unforgivable?
What would the world be like without forgiveness?