The Man Behind "Europa! Europa!"

Here are a few articles about Solomon Perel...

LA Times

History

NY Times

No Academy Award

"Europa, Europa" won a Golden Globe Award from LA Film Critics. However, the German film committee decided not to nominate it for an Academy Award. The response in Germany to this film was, for the most part, negative. Some called the main character "opportunistic and cynical," while others questioned his morality. What is your reaction to the denial for this film to be eligible for an Academy Award by its own county's film critics?

20 lbs

Gerda Weissman Klein and her family members were told that they could carry 20 lbs worth of items when they were deported. Look around your room, your house, your car, your school... can you imagine if your entire life, your history, your life story had to be collected into a 20 lb package? What impact must this have had on Gerda and her family? What impact would it have on you? Is there a societal difference between the world she was living in prior to the Holocaust and our materialistic country?

Response to ABML

Please respond to one (or both, if you are an overachiever) of the two questions below in response to the novel. Feel free as well to make other comments related to the novel.

1. It has often been said that major historical events provide an opportunity to see humanity's darkest side, as well as humanity's best side. What examples from the novel illustrate both points? Can you think of historical events from your lifetime that can be explained from each perspective? Give some examples.

2. There were so many instances in the text when someone did something that seemed insignificant for Gerda, yet it affected her strongly. Name some of those things and discuss how they had such an impact on her. Are there things that happen in your own life that might seem insignificant to others, yet are very encouraging to you?

Week of 11/11

I'm so glad you all enjoyed "Europa! Europa!" and I hope that you feel the same about "Escape from Sobibor" this week. While I have not yet looked closely at the cards to see how many read and how many didn't, I will admit to being somewhat disappointed at your participation and interest in the seminar. I feel like we have been doing so much better lately and I want you to keep it up. For a few of you with whom I have had direct conversations-- THANK YOU! You have made a massive improvement and I am so grateful.

Monday, 11/11
Finish seminar
Camps discussion/lecture
Watch "ABML"

Tuesday, 11/12
Resistance

Wednesday, 11/13
"Escape from Sobibor"

Thursday, 11/14
Finish "Escape"
Finish all of resistance

Friday, 11/15
Relief day

Week of November 4

This week is a mix of random things, but the biggest is to have All But My Life finished.

Monday, 11/4
Work of Memorial Project

Tuesday, 11/5
No Class

Wednesday, 11/6
ABML Book Circles
Letter to a liberator

Thursday, 11/7
Watch "Europa! Europa!"

Friday, 11/8
Finish it