Examining the Rise of Nazism

This week, our learning brought us deeper into the complex challenges and profound tragedies of the 20th century. We began by studying the era of the British Mandate in Palestine, the interim period following World War I in the land that is today Israel, Jordan, the West Bank, and Gaza. During this time, the British government was originally tasked with supporting the Zionist movement and Jewish immigration. Jewish communities grew, industry flourished, and vibrant new towns took shape.

However, within a short time, local Arab communities and the broader Arab world began resisting the Zionist project through political pressure, international intervention, violent riots, and acts of terrorism. A century later, we continue to grapple with many of the same tensions and struggles.

At the same time, students learned about the chaos and social upheaval sweeping post-war Europe, which set the stage for the rise of fascism, antisemitism, and militarism—most devastatingly embodied by Nazi Germany.

On Tuesday, we devoted a full day of study to the Weimar Republic, the rise of the Nazi Party, the stages of persecution, and finally the systematic murder of the Jewish people during the Holocaust. In the evening, students watched and reflected on the powerful film Schindler’s List.

On Thursday, we will travel to Tel Aviv, exploring historic neighborhoods of the First Hebrew City and learning about the culture, vision, and events that shaped daily life in the Yishuv during the Mandate period and World War II.

We plan to spend a restful Shabbat on campus as we prepare for next week’s flight and our deeply meaningful journey to Poland.

We are profoundly blessed to be here—studying our history, telling these stories, and clarifying our purpose as the next generation.

Shabbat Shalom