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It’s long believed that though hate can be learned, kids aren’t born with hate. That may be true but teaching them about hate, be it antisemitism, racism or homophobia, is important too. If you’re a Jewish parent to a little kid, for example, talking to them about what their people have gone through, and the adversities they have beat, is an integral part of understanding who they are. We’ll also note that teaching kids about hate and tolerance is important, whether it’s part of their history or not.
In this list, we tracked down eight movies that deal with the topic of antisemitism, a form of hatred that has unfortunately been on the rise in the U.S. and worldwide in recent years. While we sincerely hope this trend decreases, having tough conversations with your kids may be a great way to combat it in future generations.
And though there are many incredible, poignant TV show and movies about the Holocaust and the overarching Jewish experience, not all of them are made for younger viewers. So, here are documentaries, a musical, and a series of feature films that are age-appropriate as well as informative.
Check out some of the recommended films below, and we hope you and your kid(s) find these picks educational and thought-provoking.
‘Jojo Rabbit’
From the mind of Taika Waititi, the Oscar-winning PG-13 movie Jojo Rabbit tells the story of a Hitler youth named Jojo (Roman Griffin Davis) who finds out his mother (Scarlett Johansson) has been keeping a young Jewish woman (Thomasin McKenzie) hidden in her attic. As the unlikely duo gets to know each other, viewers can see Jojo change his mind and grow empathy for his newest friend.
‘School Ties’
Starring up-and-coming stars at the time Matt Damon, Brendan Fraser, and Ben Affleck, School Ties tells the story of the stud quarterback (played by Fraser) who struggles to keep his Jewish identity a secret from his friends. In the evangelical New England prep school they all attend, antisemitism is all too common but as the movie goes on, their friendship prevails over their differences (this one also has a PG-13 rating).
‘The Number on My Great-Grandpa’s Arm’
The Number on My Great-Grandpa’s Arm recounts the story of the Holocaust through the perspective of a great-grandfather telling his great-grandson. This movie, which is only 19 minutes long, depicts the horrors of the time in an “engaging way that neither sugarcoats nor terrorizes,” Tablet Magazine reported.
‘The Book Thief’
Based on the the 2005 novel of the same name, The Book Thief tells the story of a young girl name Liesel, who steals books confiscated by the Nazis and reads them to the Jewish refugee being sheltered by her adoptive parents. Marie-Sophie Nélisse shines in her role as Liesel, proving that a child’s kindness can go a long way when the world seems to be falling apart.
‘When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit’
Seen through the eyes of 9-year-old Anna Kerr, German movie When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit tells the story of the Jewish Kerr family as they’re displaced fleeing from Nazi reign. Though it’s been criticized for being too light considering the horrific time period, Kveller reported that this movie could be a great introduction to the topic for younger kids.
‘Fiddler on the Roof’
What’s better than a musical to keep kids engaged? 1971’s G-rated Fiddler on the Roof tells the story of poor milkman named Topol, who is on a mission to find husbands for his daughters in the growing antisemitic environment of Russia. It’s a true tale of Jewish pride in the face of so much hate.
‘The Boy in the Striped Pajamas’
In another tale of the power of friendship, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas tells the heart-breaking story of Bruno (Asa Butterfield), the son of a Nazi commander, as he develops a friendship with a Jewish prisoner in a concentration camp. This tear-jerking PG-13 movie, seen through the eyes of Bruno, shows how a child’s innocence and lack of judgment can really shape their world.
‘Chariots of Fire’
In another story of kinship, PG-rated Chariots of Fire explores the unlikely friendship between Jewish runner Harold Abrahams and Eric Liddell, a Protestant missionary, as they prepare for the 1924 Summer Olympics.
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