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No'ar
Hadash PROGRAM
IDEAS
December 2002: "WHAT'S THE BUZ?"
With
the ever-changing state of affairs in Israel, this is an opportunity for
teens to have a discussion about these current events in a way that is
meaningful for them. It is important that the information used in the
program is as up-to-date as possible. Possible topics include:
Israel in the Media.
Looking at television and print coverage of current events in Israel,
discuss how the media portrays the situation. Is the reporting fair or
biased towards one side? If we think it is biased, would the other side
agree that it is biased in the same way? Is it possible to have unbiased
reporting?
Israel and the World.
What does the world think about Israel? Is the United Nations pro-Israel
(in the past and the present)? Are current events in Israel fueling
anti-Semitic incidents around the world? Is the United States really a
good friend to Israel?
History of the Middle East
Conflict.
Look at the history of the region and how the dynamic has changed since
the beginning of the 20th Century.
Jewish, Muslim, and
Christian Claims to Israel.
Look at the Torah, the Koran, and the Christian Bible and discuss who has
claims to Israel (or Jerusalem in particular). Trying to take an unbiased
view, how (if at all) can the land be divided to meet everyone’s claims?
Seeds of Peace
or Promises. Both of these documentaries show interactions
between Israeli and Palestinian children and teens. Screen one of them
and discuss the interactions. Does this trouble run down to the youngest
children, or could a program of peace among children change the future?
What can your youth group do to help foster these relationships? Find out
more information about Seeds of Peace. (These videos can be ordered from
ABC News Nightline and
PBS respectively, but should be ordered well in advance.)
In
addition to having a discussion, this program could include Israeli food
and music.
OTHER POSSIBILITIES
Values Based Programming
Wisdom
– Study a series of news articles related to Israel. The articles should
come from both liberal and conservative sources. Participants should take
part in a facilitated discussion on the situation.
Creativity
– Teens should be encouraged to use their creativity to explain the
political/social situation in Israel (via song, art projects, or a short
skit).
Spirituality
– Sing Shalom Rav or Oseh Shalom and then write your own
prayer for Israel. |
