Teaching the Holocaust and other Genocides

Created in collaboration with the Holocaust & Human Rights Center, the NYS Education Department, and the NYS Archives Partnership Trust.

Vel d'Hiv Roundup

Activity Overview

After reading the historical background on the French Vel d'Hiv roundup, students will analyze photographs taken of the Roundup.

Grade Level

7-12

ELA Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies

RH1: Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources.

RH2: Determine the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary source; provide an accurate, objective summary of the source distinct from prior knowledge or opinions.

RH7: Integrate visual information (e.g., in charts, graphs, photographs, videos, or maps) with other information in print and digital texts.

RH8: Distinguish among fact, opinion, and reasoned judgment in a text. Identify and distinguish between a primary and secondary source on the same topic.

WHST7: Draw evidence from informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.

Social Studies Framework

10.5 UNRESOLVED GLOBAL CONFLICT (1914–1945): World War I and World War II led to geopolitical changes, human and environmental devastation, and attempts to bring stability and peace.

10.5d Nationalism and ideology played a significant role in shaping the period between the world wars.

10.5e Human atrocities and mass murders occurred in this time period.

SEL Benchmarks

2A. Recognize and build empathy for the feelings and perspectives of others.

2B. Recognize and affirm individual identities as well as individual and group similarities and differences, including those rooted in culture, ethnicity, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ability, etc.

3A: Consider individual and collective social, emotional, and physical safety and well-being, as well as social context in making decisions.

Objectives

Students will summarize the key events and significance of the Vel d’Hiv Roundup to understand France’s role in the persecution of Jews during the Holocaust.

Students will analyze historical photographs of the Vel d’Hiv Roundup to identify visual evidence of the event’s human impact and the conditions faced by those arrested.

Students will reflect on the emotional and historical weight of photographic evidence, considering how images contribute to collective memory and understanding of historical injustice.

Essential Question

How did the use of local law enforcement influence the reaction to the roundup of French citizens?

Materials

Vel d'Hiv Roundup Reading
Three Photographs Taken of the Vel d'Hiv Roundup (See Below)

Photograph Analysis

This first photo of the Vel d’Hiv Round-up shows French Jews casually waiting, with even one man sitting on the ground and leaning against the wall of the building. Directly in front of this man, is a couple speaking with a French police officer.

This second photo from the Vel d’Hiv Round-up shows that the French Jews are not overly panicked, quietly and obediently following the French police officer with even one man smiling directly at the camera. There are no German officers present. Also, even though it is the middle of July, the men are wearing heavy winter clothing, probably thinking that they were headed to a work camp and not an extermination camp.

In this third photo from the Vel d’Hiv Round-up, we see children who have been separated from their parents. One can easily imagine that the trio of children who are at the head of the line is of three brothers, the oldest brother (center) must shoulder the responsibility of taking care of his younger brothers, with one not fighting against having to hold the hand of the oldest brother.

Monuments and Memorials

Memorialization and Collective Memory
The Vel' d'Hiv roundup has left an indelible mark on France's collective memory. Over the years, various initiatives have aimed to commemorate the victims and educate the public about this dark chapter. Documentaries, such as "Les Derniers," feature eyewitness accounts from survivors, ensuring that their stories are preserved for future generations. Additionally, memorials have been erected at former sites of persecution, serving as poignant reminders of the atrocities committed.cheminsdememoire.gouv.fr

Vel d’Hiv Round-up Memorial Plaque
The 16th and 17th of July 1942
13152 Jews were arrested in Paris and its suburbs
Deported and assassinated at Auschwitz
In the Vélodrome d’Hiver which stood here
4115 children
2916 women
1129 men
were detained in inhumane conditions
by the police of the Vichy Government
on order of the Nazis occupants
to those who tried to help them
that they be thanked
those who pass by here, remember!
(Translation by E. Angelini)

Of note on this memorial plaque is the fact that 4115 plus 2916 plus 1129 equals 8160, not 13,152. The likely reason is that not all of the French Jews arrested and deported during the Vel d’Hiv Round-up were detained in the velodrome. In addition, the five Hebrew letters in the lower right-hand column are a tribute to what one will find on Jewish tombstones. At the bottom of most Jewish tombstones you will often find an abbreviation ת נ צ ב ה of a verse from the Bible, the first book of Samuel, 25:29, “May his soul be bound up in the bond of eternal life.” The other Hebrew text on a headstone or memorial marker will be the deceased’s Hebrew name.”

Memorial of the Vél d’Hiv Roundup
Translation:
The French Republic
In Homage to the Victims of Racist and Antisemitic Persecutions and Crimes
Against Humanity
Committed Under the De Facto Authority of the
So-Called Government of the French State 1940-1944
Let Us Never Forget.

Discussion Question

How do these monuments reflect the French attempts to acknowledge their actions during the Holocaust?