Modeling Lecture Organization: A Guide to Commemorating Holocaust Victims, Inspired by Faik Konica School

Project Topic:

Modeling Lecture Organization: A Guide to Commemorating Holocaust Victims, Inspired by Faik Konica School

Holocaust Education Anchored in Local Histories: Lessons from Albania

School: Faik Konica, Tirana, Albania. XI-th Class

January 27: International Holocaust Remembrance Day

1. Project Description:

Amidst the war, when Jews were fleeing from the Nazis, they found themselves in need of help. While they were persecuted and sent to concentration camps, many ordinary people risked their lives to protect, assist, and hide Jews from the enemy. This lecture will focus on narratives of saving Jews by various individuals in different countries during World War II, particularly in Albania.

The most significant outcome of this lecture is to emphasize the importance of teaching the stories of the "Righteous Among the Nations" and their contribution to saving Jews during World War II in Albania, focusing on local history.

Many families in Tirana saved Jews during the Holocaust period, and this time, we will focus on the history of the Qoqja’s family. In this lecture, we will attempt to highlight the reasons why so many people made such a choice and give voice to untold stories that can inspire the younger generation.

Additionally, during this lecture, we will gain a better understanding of the roots of Hebrew culture in our country before and after the war. Many Jews lived in Albania even during the communist period and adapted to the culture, traditions, and way of life in the country.

Through contrasting varied wartime perspectives on the Hebrew community during wartime, we aim not only to fulfill the primary objective of Holocaust education but also to spotlight those who defied Nazi edicts and opted to preserve life. Despite daunting obstacles and personal peril, numerous individuals courageously aligned with the righteous path, earning them the mantle of heroes and contemporary honor. This underscores the enduring fruits of goodness, even amidst the darkest of times.

For additional information see BLOG 3: Lesson Plan 1 - Jews in WW2 Albania under the Blog theme of Migration.