Who saved the Jews?

3 Credits · Level: Undergraduate

More than two million Jews were shot in more than ten countries during the Holocaust by bullets. Who in these countries was able to save the Jews? The Soviet regime, the Righteous among the Nations, and short-term rescuers were among those who stepped in to intervene. This course will look at those who saved Jews, those who were indifferent, and those who participated in their murder. Through historical analysis, survivor testimonies, and interdisciplinary perspectives, students will explore the risks, motivations, and impacts of rescue operations in Eastern Europe. The course aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the moral and ethical dimensions of rescue, the historical context, and the legacy of these acts of courage. At the end of the course, when faced with a mass massacre, past or present, each student will be asked to reflect on what they consider to be a rescue.