Sydney Jewish Museum is closed to the general public for redevelopment. We remain open for school excursions and corporate groups.

  • Genocide in the 20th Century

Genocide in the 20th Century

Back to school programs
Key information
Cost $21/student, teachers free Minimum cost $210 Duration 3 hours Capacity 250 students per day Curriculum links Stage 5 History, Depth Study 6: School-developed Topic
Stage 6 HSC Legal Studies, Core Study – Human Rights; Option 7: World Order The program includes 1 hour Holocaust survivor talk
1 hour guided, or semi-guided tour
1 hour workshop with a Museum Educator
About the program:

Students will have the opportunity to explore the concept of genocide and its impact on the modern world through examples drawn from the 20th century. In a facilitated workshop students will develop an understanding of the origins of the legal definition of genocide and the debates surrounding this definition. Focus will be placed on the early stages of genocide, particularly the segregation, marginalisation, and dehumanisation of victim groups.

Students will be encouraged to explore the moral dilemmas of victims and bystanders. Students will also gain an insight into the impact of such atrocities on the survivors of genocide through the experience of hearing Holocaust survivor testimony and a museum tour.

The Sydney Jewish Museum is embarking on a major redevelopment project which will enable us to significantly expand and enhance our programs and exhibitions. As a result, the Museum will be closed in 2026. However, when we reopen in 2027, we will welcome many more visitors, teachers and school groups. In the meantime, we continue to deliver our quality, impactful and curriculum-linked educational programs for school groups at a suitable and convenient location in Bondi Junction. Program bookings are available from 9am to 4pm every weekday except Friday. We can also design bespoke online sessions to meet your needs.

If you’d like to speak to our team about your booking, you can contact us at bookings@sjm.com.au

Image credit: SJM Collection.

School Excursions Enquiry Form

  • If your name is not on this list, please select 'Other - School Not Listed'

  • Preferred Dates

  • For example: unit of study, texts being studied, additional needs, and any prior knowledge

Plan your visit

On the day

  • Please arrive 15 minutes before your program start time and assemble students across the road from the museum in Green Park.
  • Please send a member of staff to the main museum entrance to let us know you have arrived and our education team will come to greet you.
  • Students will enter via the main museum entrance on Darlinghurst Road.
  • Note that the museum has a substantial security presence. Your group may be asked to consent to a bag search.

What to bring

  • Due to limited locker space, we request that students do not bring large backpacks.
  • If the students plan to eat before or after their visit, please ask them to bring very small bags so that we can put several bags in each locker.

Access

  • We strive to make our programs accessible and inclusive to students of all needs and abilities. Please advise us if you have any additional needs for your visit.

Content advice

  • Note that the content covered at the museum may be distressing to some students.
  • We recommend bringing your school councillor and/or members of your pastoral care team to the visit.

Payment

  • An invoice will be sent after your visit, unless organised otherwise.

Confirmation of numbers

  • All bookings must confirm any changes to student numbers at least 7 days prior to the visit in writing. Schools will be charged for the number of students we have on record 7 days prior to the visit.

Cancellations and booking changes

  • Changes and cancellations including dates, times and student numbers must be made in writing.
  • Each booking is permitted two changes at no cost. Each additional change over and above these two changes will incur a $30 administration fee.
  • Cancellations made within 7 working days of the scheduled booking will be charged in full.

Risk assessment

Please click here for our risk assessment.

Pre and post visit lesson plans

Our Educators have created activities and resources for teachers to use to engage students before and after their visit to the Museum.

Click here to download the pre and post visit lesson plans.

Complementary Programs and Resources
Understanding the Holocaust

FACE-TO-FACE

Introduce your students to studying the Holocaust. This program explores key historical events that contributed to this cataclysmic event unfolding.

 More details Resisting the Holocaust

FACE-TO-FACE

This program challenges the misconception that Jews went “like lambs to the slaughter”, with examples of Jewish resistance.

 More details The Nature and Development of Human Rights: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights

FACE-TO-FACE

Focuses on the nature and development of human rights through the lens of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in the immediate context of the Holocaust and World War II.

 More details

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