Understanding The Working Definition Of Antisemitism
Explain to students that in this story they will be reading about a historical account of antisemitism, and that antisemitism still occurs today. Gauge what your students know about antisemitism through a KWL Chart: What I Know, What I Want to Know, What I Learned (revisit ‘What I Learned’ after reading the story).
Some students may not be familiar with the word antisemitism, and there are many working definitions of the term. The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance shares their working definition:
“Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.”
If appropriate for your class, share this definition (in whole or parts) with students.
It’s also important that students understand who Jewish people are outside of antisemitism. Consider exploring this slideshow (slides 8-18) for your own learning and/or student learning before or after reading.