UNLIKELY HEROES

In a time with baseless hatred, brutality,, and destruction, Unlikely Heroes recovers the little-known stories of heroic Jews who exemplified courage and humanitarianism in the face of depravity.  These individuals joined resistance movements, rebelled against their oppressors, and fought for human rights and dignity.  They did not, as a persistent myth suggests, submit to the Nazis like “sheep to the slaughter,” but rather rose above the difficulties, accomplishing incredible feats.

While it is crucial to focus on the overwhelming cruelty and scope of the Nazi persecution, it is also our duty as educators to reinforce the stories of human courage and triumph during this time.  Unlikely Heroes explores the lesser-known dimension of Jewish resistance in the Holocaust.  We must acknowledge that some Jews did risk everything to fight for their lives and the lives of others.  Focusing on these individuals enables us to grasp the significance of what occurred, and reminds us of the power of personal responsibility and communal values.

WHY USE A MODULE?

A module is a segment of instruction that is self-contained and self-paced.  Teachers can use a module for many reasons.  The Museum of Tolerance wanted to offer this set of modules on Unlikely Heroes so that educators have more options on using curriculum.  This Unlikely Heroes curriculum can be used in multiple ways.

HOW TO USE THE UNLIKELY HEROES CURRICULUM & MODULES

1.  I want to use the Unlikely Heroes documentary with my entire class.  Click here.

2.  I want to use the Unlikely Heroes documentary as modules that individual students can take themselves. Click here.

3.  I want to use segments of the Unlikely Heroes documentary that address specific needs that my students have.  I just

      want a segment, say on resiliency, for students who need uplifted in that area.  Click here and see what issues you can

      address with this curriculum.

4.  I am an art, music, or theater teacher who wants to present a lesson for Holocaust Remembrance Day.  Click here.
3.  I am not a teacher, but I am a community member who wants to learn more about resistance during the Holocaust.

      Click here.