Sitting in my Arab-Israeli Conflict class, I listen to President of the Israel Policy Forum Michael Koplow explain in detail the events of the Oslo peace process between Israelis and Palestinians. Soon after this, we turn our discussion to the present, to understand how those events are relevant today. I left the class feeling more knowledgeable about the Arab-Israel Conflict and prepared to continue learning, and I realized that the course is one of the best CESJDS offers; all students should take this course.
There is a very nuanced history within this conflict that could not be more central to the world today. The Arab-Israeli Conflict course is a uniquely offered Jewish history elective for juniors. In the class, students learn about the history of the conflict between Israel and other Arab countries through discussions, debates, essays and guest speakers. While many students choose to take this class, the course is not required.
In the course, students learn about different events, and then look at side-by-side perspectives of both Israelis and Palestinians. The class gives us insight into Arab views and beliefs and encourages students to dive deeper into difficult questions beyond a one-narrative perspective.
Perhaps most importantly, the class provides nuance and context for the Arab-Israeli conflict and allows for a greater understanding of both side. It gives us a chance to recognize that the conflict involves more than one side. No matter how much we may disagree, there is value in learning about the arguments and lives of those who often oppose us.
After highschool, most students will participate in a conversation about Israel at some point in their life, whether it is on college campuses, in careers or with peers. It is important that students have the tools to understand nuance and bias, and the knowledge to articulate their ideas and discuss the conflict with credibility.
With a rise in antisemitism, as reported by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), and an increased focus on the issue on campuses, students are bound to face questions and difficult conversations. A strong understanding of the historical events as well as the general narratives of both sides of the conflict will allow students to feel confident in their discussions.
Taking the course also allows students to develop their own opinions and develop their own beliefs regarding the conflict.
According to Pew Research center, 80% of American Jews say caring about Israel is an essential part of what being Jewish means to them. However, only 37% of American Jews described their education about Israel in grades K-12 as strong, according to a survey conducted by the American Jewish Committee (AJC).
Learning the history of Israel is a crucial part of Jewish education because it is a core aspect of Jewish identity. All juniors at JDS are required to take a first-semester Jewish history class called History of Modern of Israel. The class covers Israel’s history from the origins of Zionism in Europe all the way until the signing of the Camp David Accords that established peace between Israel and Egypt in 1978.
If students don’t take the Arab-Israeli Conflict class, they will never learn the crucial content the class offers and will have a limited understanding of the State of Israel because of their lack of knowledge about the conflict. They miss the roughly 50 years of Israeli history that the class covers including the first and second Intifadas, the Oslo Peace Process, the establishment of security barriers and settlements and the more recent wars Israel has had with other countries.
One of JDS’ core values in their mission statement is the value of Ahavat Yisrael: “An inextricable bond with the Jewish people – past, present, and future. A strong personal and ongoing relationship with Israel, its history, people, and culture.” To foster this value, students need to learn about Israel. Strong connection comes from understanding.
The Arab-Israeli conflict is one of the worlds’ biggest issues. It is also a central part of American Jewish identity. As such, the course must be required. Every JDS graduate should leave high school with the tools and confidence they need for discussing the conflict in the future.
