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Introduction to The Soviet Jewry Struggle for Freedom
Before starting to teach about the Soviet Jewry Struggle, we recommend you give this short introduction:
December 23, 2020
Calculated Discussion: Permission to leave paradise
With a rare combination of basic mathematics and history, we will explain the USSR’s line of thought regarding the exit of citizens from its borders, the diploma tax they gave to strengthen the exit restriction, and the Jackson-Vanik Convention that imposed restrictions on trade between the US and the USSR.
Through a simple mathematical calculation, false claims and statements can be proven wrong. For example, the Soviet government stated that they let Jews out without any problem. For example, in 1968, 379 Jews left.
But how many Jews were in the USSR? How many asked for an exit permit and received a refusal? And how many were afraid to ask?
December 17, 2020
Sing in Hebrew, songs sung by captive Soviet Jews and by Free Jews in Israel
One was sung by Soviet Jews, trapped in the USSR: “Blue and White are the colors of my land, for now and ever after”.
The other was sung by Jews in Israel:
“Won’t you ask after, O Zion, the weal of your captive?”
Sing in Hebrew, and discuss the lyrics meanings and source.
January 11, 2020
Women of the Refuseniks – video & discussion
In this lesson you can use a slideshow archives presentation to show how the Soviet Media portrayed Jews and Jewish Emigration problem (according to Soviet officials: no problem because no one wants to get out), with points of discussion.
Raising the main question: how can we today recognize an attempt brainwash or “fake news” when it’s not about a subject that we are familiar with?
October 25, 2019
BRAINWASHING & FAKE NEWS – SLIDESHOW & DISCUSSION
In this lesson you can use a slideshow archives presentation to show how the Soviet Media portrayed Jews and Jewish Emigration problem (according to Soviet officials: no problem because no one wants to get out), with points of discussion.
Raising the main question: how can we today recognize an attempt brainwash or “fake news” when it’s not about a subject that we are familiar with?
September 9, 2019
Present, Protest, & Inspire: learn the about individual Refuseniks and prepare a presentation to save them!
In this activity lesson, students will imagine that they are activists in the free world advocating for Soviet Jews.
Each group will will learn about a different refusenik, and come up with a plan for how to bring public attention to their refusenik’s case through drawing, writing, creating songs, speeches, collages, etc.
November 4, 2018
Bring Refuseniks or Activists to Class (or on zoom)
Hear the stories from the source! Invite Prisoners of Zion, Refuseniks and Human Rights activist who live near you.
August 30, 2018
The Fall of the Iron Curtain
In this lesson, students will learn about the fall of the Iron Curtain and about the release of the Jews from the Soviet Union and its aftermath.
June 17, 2018
Freedom on Passover
Explore the meaning of freedom, and reflect on slavery and freedom in the lives of the Refuseniks in the Soviet Union and in their own lives.
This activity can be done at a family Passover Seder as well as in formal educational settings.
Profiles on Courage Research Project
Students will research different personalities from the Soviet Jewry movement. They will determine what motivated them, what happened to them, and what happened to them after the movement ended.
June 14, 2018
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