Chapter 1: “Only a Matter of Time”
Topics Covered
Discrimination, racial profiling, and immigration
Quotes From The Film
“Some of the kids knocked my head against the wall. And the teachers examined my scalp for lice. They say I’m clean and well-groomed for a Jewish child. They’re calling me “sale juive” which means dirty Jew in French.”
— Malvina, 11 years old in 1939
“I haven’t felt the antisemitism until recently. Now Germany is showing more and more hatred towards Jews. My friends and I think it’s just a matter of time that this widespread hatred will come to us here in Belgium, too.”
— Irving, 17 years old in 1939
Put Yourself in Their Shoes
In the beginning of the film, teenagers Simone and Malvina share how they experienced anti-semitism in Belgium.
Decribe how you think Malvina felt about the way students and her teacher treated her.
Describe how you think Simone felt about leaving everything behind.
Personal connection...
How have you or your family members faced racial, religious, or other kinds of discrimination in the past?
If you currently face discrimination in your school or community, how does it make you feel?
What's happening now?
What are people doing as individuals and groups to end racial and religious profiling?
If you witnessed someone being discriminated against today because of his or her beliefs, what action(s) would/could you take?
What are some current-day examples of discrimination that you have witnessed or heard about?
If discrimination against a people was an acceptable norm, what would you do?