Righteous Among the Nations Medal
Student Activity – A medal awarded to Righteous Among the Nations honourees, Jacob and Jeltje Oversloot
| Artefact: | Righteous Among the Nations Medal |
|---|---|
| Theme: | Bearing Witness |
| Grade Level: | Intermediate (6-9) |
Suggested time: 10 minutes
Grades: 6+
1. Look closely at the medal, front and back. Study the engravings on the backside of the medal (third image) using the magnification feature and answer these questions:
- What does the barbed wire symbolize?
- Describe the arms and hands illustrated on the medal. What do you think they represent?
- Why is the rescue rope wrapped around the globe?
- Why do you think the rescue rope is twisted?
2. Read the inscription on the front of the medal. It includes the Jewish saying, “Whoever saves one life saves the entire universe.” What do you think this means?
3. In your own words, why is it important to recognize Jacob and Jeltje Oversloot by awarding them a Righteous Among the Nations medal?
4. What is one way you plan to participate in Holocaust remembrance after learning about the Holocaust? (Hint: some ways to remember the Holocaust include sharing survivor’s stories with others, visiting a museum or a reading book .)