Children were often the most vulnerable victims of the Holocaust. Separated from their parents, they were subject to difficult conditions and were forced to grow up much too quickly. Sometimes, however, the stories of children during the Holocaust can lend us inspiration and hope.

The Center for Holocaust and Humanity Education is collecting the stories of the lives of children that were cut short by the Holocaust. The goal is to give these children presence on earth by telling about their lives: their hobbies, relationships and dreams. Some of these children's stories will be integrated into the Tree-By-Tree forest, in informational audio kiosks. Others will appear here on the website. To share the life story of a child under the age of fifteen who was killed in the Holocaust, contact chhe@huc.edu.

For a list of questions to help you tell the story of a child's life, click here.

If you are interested in learning more about children in the Holocaust, The Center for Holocaust and Humanity Education recommends these books:

Hana's Suitcase by Karen Levine (elementary school)

Reach for the Stars: A Little Torah's Journey by Sylvia Rouss (elementary school)

The Cats in Krasinski Square by Karen Hesse (elementary school)

I Never Saw Another Butterfly (elementary school)

Luba the Angel of Bergen Belsen told by Luba Tryszynska-Frederick to Michelle R. McCann (elementary school)

The Big Lie by Isabella Leitner (elementary and middle school)

I Have Lived A Thousand Years by Livia Bitton-Jackson (middle and high school)

Parellel Journeys by Eleanor Ayer (middle and high school)

Children in the Holocaust and World War II: Their Secret Diaries by Laurel Holliday (high school)

Salvaged Pages: Young Writers' Diaries of the Holocaust by Alexandra Zapruder (high school)

You can order any of these books by contacting chhe@huc.edu



What is the Tree-By-Tree Forest?
Learn more about the history and goals of the forest here.

How Can I Be Involved in the Continuing Tree-By-Tree Project?
Learn more about the current plans for the forest and how you can help here.

What are the Stories that Inspired the Tree-By-Tree Project?
Learn about Irma Lauscher, a teacher in Terezin, and Ilan Ramon, an Israeli astronaut here.

Can I Purchase a Tree to be Part of the Tree-By-Tree Forest?
The Tree-By-Tree forest still needs your support. Make a donation through the JNF website here.