Echoes and Reflections Essay Contest

Enter the 2011 Echoes and Reflections Moral Courage Essay Contest! - Deadline March 10, 2011

The Echoes and Reflections Moral Courage Essay Contest uses the lens of the Holocaust to analyze moral behavior and educate students about contemporary issues. Study of the Holocaust helps students develop an understanding of the ramifications of stereotyping, prejudice, racism, and anti-Semitism in any society. The Holocaust provides a context for exploring the dangers of remaining indifferent and silent in the face of the oppression of others.

Through learning about Rescuers during the Holocaust, The Moral Courage Essay Contest invites the writer to learn about the benefits of standing up against injustice.

Moral Courage is the ability to take a strong stand on a specific issue based on one’s personal beliefs and to defend it, regardless of danger or threats to personal safety. Arizona State Standards: When used as a classroom assignment, this essay can meet several Arizona State Standards in Reading, Writing, and Social Studies. Please see the attached document to view the standards.

Rescuers during the Holocaust, such as Miep Gies, Carl Lutz, Vladka Mead, Oskar Shindler, Chiune Sugihara, and Raoul Wallenberg displayed moral courage when they risked their own lives to act on their values and beliefs to spare the lives of others. Their actions serve as a model of personal triumph over adversity and inspire others to act accordingly.