Holocaust Facts for Kids
The Holocaust was one of the most tragic and horrific events in human history. It occurred during World War II, from 1939 to 1945, and resulted in the genocide of six million European Jews. Many people were also persecuted, including Roma Gypsies, homosexuals, disabled individuals, and political prisoners. Here are some important facts about the Holocaust that kids should know.
1. The Holocaust was the systematic, state-sponsored persecution and murder of millions of people by Nazi Germany.
2. Adolf Hitler, the leader of Nazi Germany, blamed Jews for Germany’s economic problems and believed they were inferior to Aryans.
3. The Nazis established concentration camps to imprison and execute Jews and other groups they considered undesirable.
4. Some of the most infamous concentration camps were Auschwitz, Treblinka, and Sobibor.
5. Jews were forced to wear identifying badges or armbands so they could be easily targetted.
6. As part of the Final Solution, the Nazis deported Jews to death camps where they were killed in gas chambers.
7. Other forms of killing included shooting, starvation, and medical experiments.
8. Many Jewish families went into hiding to escape persecution. Some were sheltered by non-Jewish individuals and groups.
9. The word “Holocaust” comes from the Greek word “holokauston,” meaning “sacrifice by fire.”
10. The Holocaust had a devastating impact on Jewish communities all over Europe. Many families lost loved ones and were forced to leave their homes and belongings behind.