Israel Core Course

This course is designed to acquaint the students with Israel's geographical and historical uniqueness. The course stresses the Jewish people's spiritual and historical connection with the Land of Israel.

Classroom lessons are supplemented by trips throughout the country and a week-long seminar in Jerusalem. The students meet and have an opportunity to discuss issues with key people who have taken an active role in the recent history of the State of Israel.

The course is divided into the following units:

1. Geography of the Land of Israel (physical, economic, demographic and urban issues).
2. The government and democratic character of the State of Israel.
3. Ancient history of the Land and the Jewish People from its beginning until the destruction of the Temple and Jerusalem by the Romans and the beginning of the long period of exile of the Jews from their land.
4. Modern anti-semitism as a factor in the emergence of the Zionist movement.
5. The emergence of the Zionist Movement towards the end of the 19th century and the return to Zion until World War II.
6. The Holocaust and its influence on the establishment of the State of Israel.
7. The beginning of the State of Israel and the War of Independence in 1948.
8. Israel today and the tremendous challenges it faces in the future.

As an integral component of the course, there are 24 field trip days to places currently being studied by the students. These are a vital part of the program. For example, the trip to Mount Gilboa (not far from Beit-Hashita), can be taught as follows:

On this very spot, 3000 years ago, King Saul fought a critically important battle against the Philistines. Both King Saul and his sons perished here. The story of the battle and of Saul's death as related in the Bible is read aloud, followed by reciting the verses of David's classic lament after learning of the King's death. The entire scene comes to life before the students' very eyes, as the verses are read and the battlefield is described. Later, from the foot of the same Mount Gilboa, the students learn about the pioneering work of the chalutzim (pioneers), who -- seventy years ago -- made the Valley of Yizre'el to bloom. This was the site of Saul's battle against the Philistines, but also where the modern Israel fought for its independence in 1948.

A major focus of the course is the annual seminar in Jerusalem. Jerusalem lies at the center of Jewish life as well as political, social and cultural conflicts in Israel. In 8 days of the seminar, the students become acquainted with Jerusalem's past and present and debate its future.

In the course of the year, the students are required to do an in-depth study of a subject connected to the history of Modern Israel and write a 15 page paper about their research.

In summary, the course provides all the elements the students need to get to grips with Israel's complex history and present situation and in so doing, to broaden their understanding both of Israel and its important place in Jewish and world history, and of the world today.