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4Primary >> Activities >> Laws against the Jews

Activity 2 : Laws Against the Jews

What you need to know

When Hitler became leader of Germany, he became very powerful. He could make or do away with any law he chose to. All political parties were scrapped, except for the Nazi Party. Everyone had to join a Hitler organisation. Children were expected to join the ‘Hitler Youth’. Those who were against Hitler were locked up in prison. His secret police, the SS, arrested anyone who spoke out against Hitler, even if it was just making a joke against the Nazis. It became very difficult for ordinary Germans to speak out against Hitler.

(Pictured right, Members of the Hitler Youth)

The Laws against Jews

1933 

• Jewish professors and students are thrown out of universities.
• Jewish writers are not allowed to have their books published.
• No one is allowed to use Jewish shops.

1935

• Jews are no longer German citizens and have no rights.
• It is illegal for Jews and gypsies to marry non-Jews and non-Gypsies

1936

• Jews are not allowed to vote
• Jews are not allowed to be doctors.

1937

• Jewish children are not allowed to go to school.
• Jewish businesses to be given to Aryans

1938

• Jews must carry identity cards at all times
• All Jews must add ‘Israel’ to their names if they are men and ‘Sarah’ if they are women.

1939

• All Jews must hand in their radios to the police. (There was no television).

1940

• No Jew must have a telephone.

1941

• Every Jewish person must wear a yellow Star of David sewn onto their clothing.

1942

• Blind or deaf Jews are not allowed to wear arm bands showing their condition.

For discusssion

1. Why do you think these laws were passed over many years rather than all at once?
2. How would it be very difficult for Jewish people to earn any money?
3. How would it be very difficult for Jewish people to have any social or leisure time?
4. Would Jews be able to protest against these laws?

To Think About

Jewish people were forced to sit on special benches away from non-Jews. Eventually, they were banned from going to public parks at all together.

1. What do you think the sign says?
2. Is the woman Jewish?
3. Why might she be covering her face?
4. Who might be taking the photograph and why?

Around the picture write in:

• What she might be thinking?
• What the photographer might be thinking?