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From WWII Budapest to Today: Why Upstander Raoul Wallenberg Matters

Updated: 3 days ago


Grade Level: 6-12
Duration of video 1: 5 minutes, 21 seconds
Duration of video 2: 7 minutes, 11 seconds
Duration of video 3: 6 minutes, 18 seconds
Themes: Hungary in WWII / Propaganda-hatred-violence / Holocaust / Courage / Moral responsibility / Bystander vs. Upstander




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Photo: Raoul Wallenberg (1912–1945), Swedish diplomat who saved tens of thousands of Hungarian Jews during the Holocaust. Source: Wikimedia Commons (Public Domain)


Description:


Students will learn about Hungary during WWII and how Raoul Wallenberg, a Swedish diplomat, saved tens of thousands of Jewish people during the Holocaust. After reviewing a short historical timeline and the “10 Upstander Steps,” students watch videos about Wallenberg and survivor Agnes Adachi to identify how he acted with courage and moral leadership. In Part 2 of the lesson, students will connect the historical content to today by viewing a modern example of upstanders in an American community and reflecting on how they can promote kindness and unity in their own lives.



Lesson Plan:


🎯 OBJECTIVES (SWBAT)

  • Identify key events from a brief timeline of Hungary during WWII.

  • Take notes during videos to record specific Upstander Steps used by Raoul Wallenberg.

  • Discuss Wallenberg’s actions and explain how he influenced others.

  • Compare historical and modern examples of upstanders through class discussion.

  • Write a reflective essay describing how they can apply the Upstander Steps in their own lives.


🧰 MATERIALS:

📋 LESSON FLOW


INTRODUCTION

Teacher says:

"We will be learning about WWII today. The lesson will have 2 parts. Part 1 will be about the past, and Part 2 will be applying the lessons from these films to our lives today."


PART 1 - UNDERSTANDING THE PAST

  1. Hand out and review with students: Student Worksheet 1: Brief Timeline of Hungary in WWII

  2. Hand out Student Worksheet 2: 10 Upstander Steps

    Teacher says:  

    “We will be learning about a courageous WWII upstander. Let’s review the 10 Upstander Steps briefly.” [Review briefly with class.]

  3. Instructions before watching Video 1, Righteous Among the Nations: Raoul Wallenberg, Sweden:

    Teacher says: 

    "As you watch the video, take notes as to how a brave Swedish diplomat, named Raoul Wallenberg, used Upstander Steps to save Jewish people during WWII."

    Show Video 1: Righteous Among the Nations: Raoul Wallenberg, Sweden

  4. Discussion Questions after Video 1: Righteous Among the Nations: Raoul Wallenberg, Sweden

    Ask students: 

    1. How did Swedish diplomat Raoul Wallenberg save Jewish people during WWII?

    2. What dangers did Mr. Wallenberg face while trying to help people?

    3. Which Upstander Steps did you observe him using?

    4. Why do you think he chose to help, even though he was a Lutheran man from a different country?

    5. How did his upstander actions compare to the actions of bystanders?

    6. By saving 20,000+ people, what impact did Raoul Wallenberg have on the world?

  5. Instructions before watching Video 2, The Arrival of Raoul Wallenberg: Testimony of Agnes Adachi, USC Shoah Foundation 

    Teacher says:

    "Now we will hear from Agnes Adachi, a Hungarian Jewish woman who lived at that time and describes her eyewitness account of Raoul Wallenberg’s actions. Please take notes as to what other upstander steps Raoul took to save the Jewish people."

    Show Video 2: The Arrival of Raoul Wallenberg: Testimony of Agnes Adachi, USC Shoah Foundation

  6. Partner Discussion After Video 2

    Have students turn to a seat partner and discuss:

    1. Which Upstander Steps did Raoul Wallenberg use, according to Agnes Adachi?

    2. How was Raoul Wallenberg a role model for the 16-17-year-old Christian guards who stood outside the safe houses where Jewish families were staying?

    3. What does this show about the power of one person’s courage?



PART 2 - CONNECTING THE PAST TO TODAY


Teacher transition: 


Teacher says: 

"Sometimes, when learning about WWII, we think 'that was in the past, but maybe it's not relevant today.' Can you tell me why it IS relevant today?"

Allow 2–3 minutes for student brainstorming.


After students share, teacher says:

"WWII and the Holocaust show us that hate divides societies, while kindness unites us."


  1. Show Video 3: Upstanders – Employing the Full Spectrum

    Teacher says:

    "Now I'm going to show you a video about upstanders in a Florida community. As you watch the film, take notes as to how these everyday Americans made a difference in the lives of fellow Americans. We will discuss this after the film."

  2. Show Video 3: Upstanders – Employing the Full Spectrum

  3. Class Discussion Prompts

  4. Ask students:

    • What similarities do you see between modern upstanders and Raoul Wallenberg?

    • How can ordinary people make a big difference in their community?

    • What small actions of kindness can you do to protect or uplift others today?

  5. Writing Assignment

    Essay Prompt:

    Write an essay explaining what you learned from the video about Raoul Wallenberg, the testimony of Agnes Adachi, and the 10 Upstander Steps. Explain how the video about everyday Americans being upstanders connects to Wallenberg’s story. Finally, describe what steps—big or small—you personally will take to reduce hatred and division in our world and increase kindness and unity instead.







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All materials on this website are available for educational use under Creative Commons License CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. Educators may download and share the content with attribution, for non-commercial use and instructional purposes, and without modification. Embedding any materials within any website-whether educational, institutional, public, or private-is prohibited without prior written consent of Balanced Learning Resources. Unauthorized embedding or redistribution may violate copyright and licensing terms.


©  2025-2026
All materials on this website are available for educational use under Creative Commons License CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. Educators may download and share the content with attribution, for non-commercial use and instructional purposes, and without modification. Embedding any materials within any website-whether educational, institutional, public, or private-is prohibited without prior written consent of Balanced Learning Resources. Unauthorized embedding or redistribution may violate copyright and licensing terms.

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