Capturing Eichmann: Operation Finale

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In 1961, Israel captured one of the greatest villains of the 20th century, the architect of “The Final Solution,” Adolf Eichmann. 

Watch this video and use these prompts to unpack this pivotal event in Israel’s history. 

The video comes with a 5-part educational guide (includes REVIEW, DISCUSSION, ACTIVITIES, REFLECTION, FURTHER LEARNING) that can be viewed online and/or downloaded as a PDF, along with a Kahoot game. 

This lesson is part of a series titled History of Israel Explained.

Remote video URL

Israeli agents, undercover in Argentina, found Eichmann there under an alias and clandestinely brought him to Israel for trial. For many, his capture sparked excitement and pride, but for some, his capture brought condemnation. The trial gave voice to Holocaust survivors and brought their experience into Israel’s national consciousness. This video discusses Israel’s initiative, process, and action. It grapples with the international response and big questions:

  1. Why did the sovereign state of Israel feel compelled to try Eichmann, when he committed crimes against all Jews even before Israel’s existence?
  2. Was Israel justified in breaking international law for this purpose?
  3. Why was this trial an inflection point in how the Holocaust was discussed for Israelis and Jews across the world?

Details

Setting

  • After School and Beyond
  • Congregational Learning
  • Day Schools and Yeshivas
  • Family Engagement
  • Teen Engagement