The Partnership for Jewish Learning and Life, Whippany, NJ
"My hey class (7th graders) and I watched "Pigeon" last Sunday.
I have had numerous discussions with my students about not standing idly by when a person/persons is/are in trouble and the different avenues that we can (must) take to help. We have talked about discrimination due to color, religion, mental capacity, body irregularities, etc.
I first told them we would watch the video, then discuss it, and then watch it again taking in mind what we discussed. I looked at their faces while they were watching - they were very serious and no one was talking to a neighbor out of boredom.
The students needed a bit of background info on the man, which I gave them following the video - he wasn't just leaving to go somewhere, he knew he needed to leave to save his life and that it was illegal for him to do so. I also explained to them just how frightened the man was - seeing the soldiers and dog, consequence of being found out.
Some of the students picked up on the symbolism of the pigeon and boys - others didn't, so we discussed it.
I spoke to the students about how the woman had only a few seconds to decide whether to take action or not; did she think about her consequences, why should she get involved.
We then watched the video a second time so the students could pay greater attention to the details and facial expressions discussed.
They wanted to know what happened to the man after he reached his destination - life, family, job, etc. I explained that this video was about the moment and for them to know his life was spared - at least this time - because the quick actions of one person."
