How We Chose
Our Resources

In order to give a sense of what the Holocaust camps were like for those who were imprisoned, the article "Young Witnesses in the DP Camps: Children's Holocaust Testimony in Context" by Boaz Cohen and Rita Horvath was selected. This article focuses on the context in which the stories of children who survived the camps shared their stories and aims to give an accurate and clear depiction of what children went through in the camps. In order to understand how concentration camps impacted the lives of survivors, the conditions in which the survivors endured must be understood.

Source: Cohen, B., & Horváth, R. (2012). Young Witnesses in the Dp Camps: Children's Holocaust Testimony in Context. Journal of Modern Jewish Studies, 11(1), 103–125.

The following resources were chosen to examine how survivors rebuilt their lives after liberation:

"Jewish Women Survivors in the Displaced Persons Camps of Occupied Germany"

This article was chosen because it highlights the crucial role of Jewish women survivors in preserving Holocaust memory and supporting their communities. It sheds light on how these women contributed to the emotional and practical rebuilding of lives after liberation. By examining their roles as caretakers and community leaders, the article provides valuable insight into life after escaping the camps.

"Victims, Villains, and Survivors: Gendered Perceptions and Self-Perceptions of Jewish Displaced Persons"

This article was chosen because it explores how gender affected the experiences and identities of Jewish survivors in the aftermath of the Holocaust. The article delves into the complex ways survivors were perceived by others and how they viewed themselves, shedding light on their struggles to rebuild their lives. It offers valuable insight into the social dynamics and personal challenges survivors faced in the Displaced Persons camps, making it crucial for understanding life after escaping the camps.

"Finding Home and Homeland: Jewish Youth and Zionism in the Aftermath of the Holocaust"

This article was chosen because it examines how young Jewish survivors, particularly in Displaced Persons camps, found a sense of purpose and belonging through Zionism. The article explores their emotional and ideological journey as they transitioned from trauma to rebuilding their lives by joining Zionist youth movements. It provides valuable insight into how these youth saw their future in the context of the Holocaust and the role of Zionism in their recovery and sense of identity after escaping the camps.

"Helping Holocaust Survivors"

This article was chosen because it highlights efforts to support survivors in their later years, focusing on the emotional and practical assistance they need after escaping the camps. The article discusses initiatives that aim to provide resources like home-delivered meals and social interactions to survivors who are living below the poverty line. It emphasizes the importance of intergenerational connections and the role of young people in helping survivors, offering insight into their post-camp lives. The article also addresses the ongoing struggle survivors face as they age and highlights the impact of community support on their well-being.

Article 1: "Echoes of the Past, Lessons for the Future"

This article was chosen because it comes from Jay Gellerl, a professor of Judaic studies at Case Western Reserve University. The article dives into the lingering impacts of the Holocaust on Jewish communities, human rights, and global consciousness, providing valuable insights into the long-term effects that continue to this day.

Article 2: "70 years after WWII, the Holocaust is still very important to American Jews"

This article was selected because it explores how the Holocaust remains central to Jewish identity today. The research investigates 'what it means to be Jewish,' with a high percentage of responses highlighting the importance of remembering the concentration camps and the trauma that Jewish people endured during the Holocaust. This demonstrates how relevant concentration camps are to understanding not only the history of the Holocaust but also its continuing impact on society and culture today.

Sources:

Pew Research Center. (2015, August 13). 70 years after WWII, the Holocaust is still very important to American Jews.

Smith, B. (2024, January 30). Echoes of the past, Lessons for the future: Unraveling the holocaust's enduring impact. The Daily.