Lesson 3

Growing Antisemitism

Visitors from the East

Look at the clip showing the visitors from the East or read the episode from the book. The visitors came from Poland. They described the awful conditions in ghettos and, more chillingly, stories of dreadful and murderous treatment of Jews.

How were these visitors treated and why do you think Ivor’s family refused to believe what they were being told? Refer to how Ivor’s family described Germany.

The visit “from the East” was in late 1943. Tragically, in April 1944 Hitler invaded Hungary and immediately imposed anti-Jewish edicts.

How did the local population react almost immediately after Germany invaded Hungary and marched into Mako, and what happened?

Extension Activity

What does this episode tell you about the role of bystanders and perpetrators. Was this the first time that the local population displayed antisemitism?