Step back in time and witness history through the eyes of Holocaust survivor Ilse Altman. In this deeply moving testimony, Ilse recounts the harrowing events of Kristallnacht, a night that forever altered the course of her life. Listen as she vividly describes the terrifying moments when her family's home was attacked by Nazis, forcing them to seek refuge in a hidden root cellar.

As the chaos of that fateful night unfolded, Ilse, her family, and their fellow Jews found solace and safety in the darkness of the root cellar. When dawn broke, the reality of the devastation became painfully clear. Their home lay in ruins, and the sacred Jewish holy books they held dear were set ablaze, symbolizing the hatred and violence of the time.

In this primary source interview, Ilse's recollections offer invaluable insights into the experiences of those who lived through the Holocaust. Her testimony is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.

This video serves as both a historical record and a tribute to the strength and memory of Holocaust survivors. Ilse Altman's story is a testament to the importance of preserving the memory of the past to ensure a better future. @fpclassroom

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Quick Ideas for Using the Video with Students:
For Discussion: After viewing this video, talk to your students about the roles of perpetrators, bystanders, upstanders, or rescuers. They should assign the roles taken by the families that refused to help on Kristallnacht, the one that allowed Ilse’s family shelter in the yard and the station manager.
Activity Idea: There are many First Person Classroom videos with Holocaust survivors. These may be used as prompts for think pair share activities, jigsaws, small group discussions, journaling, and dramatic play. Their stories are also available for individual study, research projects or National History Day projects.

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