Table of Contents

Note: To view the entire curriculum free of charge, please go to Login/Register. Below is a summary of the IKAR workshops.

Introductory Workshop:
Why Israel Matters

This introductory section asks students to seriously think about their connection to Israel. It also tests the extent of their knowledge and surveys their opinions on Israel. The section also includes an inspiring call to engagement by AJC Executive Director David Harris.

• Advocating for Israel
• Connecting to Israel
• Survey of Israel Knowledge and Attitudes

Workshop 1:
The Question of Borders

This workshop uses maps to take students on a tour of Israeli history. Students will become familiar with the geo-politics of Israeli history and gain the tools necessary to understand today’s complex political reality.

• Maps of Israel
• Taba Negotiations

Workshop 2:
Understanding Contemporary Arab-Israel Politics:
Lebanon, Syria, and the Palestinian Track

Through an in-depth power point presentation, students will gain familiarity with the diplomatic challenges facing Israel today. They will learn about the history of modern Israeli political negotiations with neighbors in the Middle East on various fronts.

• Understanding Contemporary Arab-Israel Politics: 1982-2000
• A Review of the Second War in Lebanon and its Implications

Workshop 3:
Democracy in Israel and the Middle East

Israel is often cited as the only Democracy in the Middle East. This unit will examine that foundation (Israel’s governmental structure) and look at contentious issues in Israeli democracy – the status of Israeli Arabs, claims of Apartheid by detractors of Israel, and the place of religion in a Democracy.

• Democracy in Israel and the Middle East
• An Introduction to the Israeli Electoral Process
• Israeli Parties for Model Knesset

Workshop 4:
The Issue of Refugees

One of the most controversial topics surrounding Israeli history is the creation of the Palestinian refugee crisis in 1948 and the Palestinian demand for a ‘right of return.’ This section will examine that history, as well as the U.N.’s role in this humanitarian issue. The subject of Jewish refugees from Arab lands is also presented in this workshop.

• Palestinian Refugees
• A Palestinian Refugee Story
• The Palestinian Refugee Problem
• Letter from a Forgotten Jew
• Getting the Facts Straight on Refugees

Workshop 5:
Israel in the Media and Public Debate

This workshop is one intended for activists. One of the greatest challenges facing the Jewish community is the issue of Israel’s depiction on the college campus. This section will help students strategize on how to confront anti-Israel bias, speak effectively, look at media critically and ultimately advocate for Israel with greater confidence.

• Critiquing Media Coverage
• Israel on the College Campus
• Tough Questions and Answers on the Middle East
• Quick Responses to Common Questions About the Middle East

One-Month Unit on Israeli History

This section, for those with more time, will give students the historical foundations for the other workshops. The section also includes primary documents which may be useful in various discussions.

• Lesson 1: Modern Israel, Pre-British Mandate
• Lesson 2: Understanding Theodore Herzl through a Primary Source
• Lesson 3: The British Mandate 1920-48
• Lesson 4: Israel’s Declaration of Independence and Lack of Constitution
• Lesson 5: Prime Ministers and Politics of Israel
• Lesson 6: Israeli Domestic Life
• Lesson 7: Debate between Religious and Secular
• Lesson 8: Israel and the Palestinians
• Lesson 9: Israel at the United Nations