1. German Jews and the Holocaust
The Gumprich and Voos families

2. Having played the Gumprich film to 1:26 minutes once with the sound muted, use this map to highlight the geographical location of Münster. You might encourage students to consider if Münster’s location close to the border with the Netherlands would have made it easier for Jews to escape from Germany or not.

3. With students now aware of what happened to the Gumprich family, position their experience within its wider context. To begin, use this map to help students understand where Jews escaping from Germany in the 1930s found new homes. Complicate students thinking by explaining that many Jews seeking refuge came up against considerable challenges: many countries were reluctant to allow large numbers of Jews to enter – especially if they had no money. Those that did manage to flee Germany – like the Gumprich family – could also encounter hostility and antisemitism towards them as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Map: USHMM

4. Use this and the following Slide (5) to shift attention to the Voos family. As you recount their experience, encourage students to contrast the fate of the two families.

5. Münster
Bielefeld

6. Begin by asking students to examine the image and to look for clues which may help them make sense of it. As you explain the form’s origins, suggest to students how it functions to both document what happened in the Holocaust and work towards some of its victims being remembered. Prompt them to consider their views on how the document fulfils these two purposes.

7. Give students the opportunity to try and decipher the text on this image and to deduce what the photograph is of. Having outlined its location, open up a conversation about what the practice of creating ‘stumble stones’ achieves and whether there are ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ ways of remembering the Holocaust.

8. German Jews and the Holocaust
Lesson plan and materials created by Kay Andrews.
© Kay Andrews, All Rights Reserved.
Additional editing by Andy Pearce.
The map and the Page of Testimony come from the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and Yad Vashem respectively.