People's University: Anti-Semitism & the Holocaust

December 09, 2014
7:00pm - 7:00pm

People's University: Anti-Semitism & the Holocaust

Class 7, Dec. 9: Righteous Gentiles: Points of Light in a Dark Era

One of the main "groups" that witnessed the unfolding of the Holocaust were the "by-standers." Most of the people living in Nazi-Occupied Europe reacted with ambivalence to the Nazi's genocidal policies, some with apathy, others with fear and still others collaborated on some level or another. A small minority of non-Jewish people broke with what was normative behavior and went out of their way to save their Jewish neighbors, friends, colleagues or even unknown victims. In most cases these acts of altruism, kindness, religious piety and basic humanity could potentially bring a death sentence on the saviors themselves. After the Holocaust, the State of Israel created a mechanism to pay homage and respect for the “Righteous Gentiles” who had saved Jews. This presentation will attempt to illuminate the historic phenomenon, the difficulties facing saviors, and some of the dilemmas about whether or not to award certain individuals with this (Israeli/Jewish) recognition. Personal stories will be central to the discussion.

Instructor: Avi Ben-Hur, Director of Education, Scholar in Residence, Classrooms Without Borders

Note: The photography exhibit titled "Poland: A Journey Through Holocaust Sites to Insights," will be on display in the Ohio County Public Library’s auditorium through December, 2014.

What is The People's University?

In keeping with the mission of public libraries as sanctuaries of free learning for all people, the Ohio County Public Library created The People’s University, a free program for adults who wish to continue their education in the liberal arts. The People’s University features courses — taught by experts in each subject — that enable patrons to pursue their goal of lifelong learning in classic subjects such as history, music appreciation, philosophy, and literature.