Discipline: Holocaust Studies

Within the larger topic of digital humanities, Holocaust studies is a discipline that focuses on thorough investigation and understanding of the Holocaust. This discipline is meant to give others an analysis and a comprehension of the holocaust. A historical event that was marked by the Nazi regime that led to the persecution and murder of millions of Jews during World War II

In the 1950s survivor and first director of Poland’s Central Jewish Historical Commission, Phillip Friedman published an extensive to-do list of Holocaust research. This is the beginning of holocaust studies. This list included many things that he believed should be researched, studied and remembered. Since then historians have continued to research the holocaust and have recorded many project articles, publications, etc.

Holocaust studies can be defined as an interdisciplinary field that uses multiple fields like history, sociology psychology, religion, culture and the list goes on. People within the holocaust studies field study the historical event, causes, traumas, and the impact on the communities. Researchers in the field also study the social and political elements that fueled the creation of Nazi ideology and the resulting execution of their violent policies. With this field it is not only a way to remember the victims and honor them but also pass on the information so it wont happen again.

“It is our responsibility to inspire future generations to stand up against hatred, prejudice, and evil.”
– Kisha and Jason Itkin

Not only does Holocaust studies explore more about the Holocaust, it is used to try and seek a deeper understanding of the origins, ideology, perpetrators, victims, and bystanders. To be able to do this scholars deepen their understanding by doing thorough research, analysis, interpretation, and more education.

The field of Holocaust studies is a hard but meaningful topic. It is our job as younger generations to remember the past and protect anything like this from reoccurring. It is a powerful reminder of humanity’s abilities for both evil and resilience. This project will serve as part of the contribution to protecting history and preserving it for future generations.