Vladka Meed

Activity Overview

Students will be motivated to learn about the prominent role women had in Jewish resistance groups. Using primary sources and seeing the role Vladka Meed played in impacting history and how she was impacted by historical events, students will understand the difference each person can make.

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.

WHST6: Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, using search terms effectively; assess the credibility and accuracy of each source by applying discipline-specific criteria used in the social sciences.

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 describe the significant roles women played in Jewish resistance movements during the Holocaust, with a focus on Vladka Meed’s contributions.

Students will analyze primary sources to gain insight into the experiences, challenges, and impact of women in resistance efforts.

Students will examine how historical events influenced Vladka Meed’s actions and, in turn, how her actions contributed to the broader resistance and historical legacy.

Students will reflect on the power of individual action in times of crisis, recognizing how ordinary people can shape history through courage, resilience, and moral conviction.

Define and differentiate terms: upstander, righteous person, collaborator, perpetrator, victim, resistor, and survivor.

Key Vocabulary

Collaborator - A person who cooperates with or assists a group, organization, or regime, often in a context where their support furthers harm or wrongdoing, such as aiding an oppressor.

Perpetrator - A person who commits a harmful, illegal, or immoral act, such as a crime, act of violence, or injustice.

Resistor - during the Holocaust refers to someone who opposed and defied the Nazi regime and its policies, including the genocide of six million Jews and millions of others.

Righteous Among Nations - honor bestowed by Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust Memorial, to non-Jews who risked their lives to save Jews during the Holocaust. These individuals defied Nazi occupation and antisemitic policies to provide shelter, false identities, food, or other forms of aid to Jews, often at great personal risk to themselves and their families. 

Survivor - A person who lived through the persecution and atrocities committed by the Nazis during World War II, which particularly targeted Jews but also included other groups such as Roma, disabled individuals, homosexuals, and others deemed undesirable by the Nazi regime. 

Upstander - Someone who takes action to stand up against injustice, defend others, or support a cause, rather than remaining passive or silent like a bystander.

Victim - A person who suffers harm, injury, or loss as a result of violence, discrimination, crime, accident, or other misfortunes.