Time to discuss these readings with Alma!
Watch this History Channel video first for background on the conflict: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bno1m1zhIWs (6:28)
If you’re interested in skimming a timeline of events in the Middle East, with commentary on Israeli and Palestinian perspectives, visit this website (not required, but interesting perspectives).
Now, we’re going to dive a little deeper into the conflict. This website has several short articles that explain specific aspects of the conflict; please read all of them BUT SKIP THE FOLLOWING 6 (they’re mostly covered by the other seminar materials):
Finally, visit this website to learn more about Israeli and Palestinian perspectives on one another. Remember, it is a Jewish site. (15 minutes)
If you’re interested (this is not required), you can look at the following news sites to gain information about current events in the region. Note the affiliations/biases of these sources and how that might play into the news coverage that they provide.
Further Discussion Questions
Watch this History Channel video first for background on the conflict: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bno1m1zhIWs (6:28)
- What is the main source of conflict between Israelis and Palestinians?
- What is the predominant religion of Israelis? What is the predominant religion of Palestinians?
- Who occupied the land first?
- Why do Israelis claim the land?
If you’re interested in skimming a timeline of events in the Middle East, with commentary on Israeli and Palestinian perspectives, visit this website (not required, but interesting perspectives).
Now, we’re going to dive a little deeper into the conflict. This website has several short articles that explain specific aspects of the conflict; please read all of them BUT SKIP THE FOLLOWING 6 (they’re mostly covered by the other seminar materials):
- What is the Nakba?
- What is the West Bank?
- What is Jerusalem?
- What is Gaza?
- What is Hamas?
- What else should I read on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?
- Why did Jews need to return to their promised land?
- What is the right to return? Do you think Israelis should respect/grant it?
- Do you think President Trump made a good decision when he moved the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem? What is the significance of the embassy’s move? Skim this article to understand the implications of the move.
- What are the two groups that govern the West Bank and Gaza?
- What is BDS? Do you think it’s having any effect?
Finally, visit this website to learn more about Israeli and Palestinian perspectives on one another. Remember, it is a Jewish site. (15 minutes)
If you’re interested (this is not required), you can look at the following news sites to gain information about current events in the region. Note the affiliations/biases of these sources and how that might play into the news coverage that they provide.
Further Discussion Questions
- What is the two-state solution?
- In your opinion, is the two-state solution the best way to solve the conflict?
- Can you think of any other options to reduce tensions in the area?
- Where do you see the narratives of imperialism/colonialism in the Middle East?
- Should the United States play any role in the conflict?
- Why do we tend to support Israel?
- What do you see as the main obstacles to creating peace?