When I was growing up, the Holocaust wasn’t ancient history, but rather an atrocity perpetrated by the Nazis on 6 million Jews.  As a child I knew many families who had suffered first hand and were immigrants making their way in this country.  When I asked my parents about the Holocaust, they answered my questions as completely as they could.  They did not sugar coat the facts and when they spoke about Hitler, their eyes blazed with anger and disbelief.  In Hebrew School, we also learned about the Holocaust.  In fact some of my teachers were themselves survivors.

Recently in Israel a new law was enacted that means children as young as Kindergarten will begin learning about the Holocaust.  The law has sparked outrage among some parents, and for others it merely adds a formal element to the learning being done at home.  I’m sharing this post from the BBC News which talks about the new law and parent reactions.  Take a look and let us know your thoughts.  Is Kindergarten too young to teach about the horrors of the Holocaust?  If you think so, what age seems more appropriate?  Should the teaching be done at school or is it the parents’ responsibility to teach about it?

http://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-trending-27191263

Are you or someone you know the child of Holocaust survivors?  If you would like to participate in The Peretz Project head to our “Contact” page or email theperetzproject@gmail.com.