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The IKAR Program— Israel: Knowledge, Advocacy, and Responsibility
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The Curriculum:
Why Israel Matters: Israel, Education and Advocacy
See Table of Contents below or go to our new online curriculum! |
We have a new curriculum! Check it out in full by clicking here!
THE IKAR PROGRAM — ISRAEL: KNOWLEDGE, ADVOCACY, AND RESPONSIBILITY is a timely Israel education and advocacy program created by The American Jewish Committee's IKAR program. It has been praised as a vital tool in Israel education.
About Ikar:
The goals of IKAR are threefold: to help create a sense of connection to Israel among high-school aged students; to give the students a sense of confidence in speaking about Israel; and to help students develop tools to stand up for Israel in sometimes hostile environments if they so choose. IKAR is structured as a set of flexible modules that can be used together or separately in 2-4 hour workshops—it is intended for formal and informal Jewish educational settings. It includes a teacher’s guide complete with lesson plans, lecture materials, visual aids, handouts that can be reproduced for students, and suggested activities. In addition to familiarizing students with the current debates surrounding Israel and with themes of Israeli history, IKAR also focuses on developing speaking and presentation skills, and on involving students actively in the process of questioning and learning. IKAR is not meant to replace full courses in Jewish and Israeli history. IKAR has been developed with the help of educators from around the country; we are grateful for their input and wisdom.
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Registration Required:
If you plan to use any portion of IKAR, you must register on our new curriculum website. |
Hard Copy of Curriculum:
To obtain a hard copy of the IKAR curriculum for $20.00 (includes materials and shipping) please contact Dan Larson at larsond@ajc.org or click here to purchase IKAR Binder |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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ACCOMPANYING VIDEOS
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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
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 introductory video
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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
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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
• Israel’s Quest for Peace
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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
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Israeli democracy
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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
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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
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Israel and the conflict in the media
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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
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Israeli history
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View Entire Curriculum here (PDF)
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