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2007-11-07
Educational Project: Teaching Materials on Anti-Semitism

Education is identified as an important means in combating all forms of intolerance, including anti-Semitism. With the rise of anti-Semitism witnessed in Europe at the beginning of this century there is a clear need to develop educational tools and strategies to combat prejudice today. The Vilnius Yiddish Institute has responded by participating in development of teaching materials that deal with a variety of aspects of anti-Semitism. This is a pilot project developed by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam.

Materials are divided into three parts; each module covers a particular aspect of anti-Semitism. Part 1 is on the history of anti-Semitism; Part 2 covers contemporary forms of anti-Semitism; Part 3 looks at anti-Semitism as one of many forms of discrimination.

Lessons taught using these materials will provide insights into anti-Semitism as a historical phenomenon and also reveal links between past and present forms of anti-Semitism. The materials also deal with the workings of prejudice in general, illuminating in constructive ways the potential negative impact that bias can have both on individuals  and on whole societies.                                     

Each of six project partners – Croatia, Denmark, Germany, Lithuania, Poland, and Ukraine – works on producing materials specific to each pilot country. The Vilnius Yiddish Institute is the partner for the Republic of Lithuania and responsible for the material adaptation participates actively in the project work group meetings and discussions. In 2006 the VYI has completed the first part of the materials. The project continues throughout the year 2007.

In the photo: The VYI Assistant Director Ruta Puisyte interviews Vilnius Uzupis gymnasium student Audinga Urbonaite for the theme of discrimination, stereotypes and prejudices in Lithuania.