Colliding Dreams: The Modern Zionist Movement as Told Through the Eyes of its Inhabitants
H&G4-5b-Mon3
Jan Darsa
This course will take place virtually on Zoom. Participation in this course requires a device (ideally a computer or tablet, rather than a cell phone) with a camera and microphone in good working order and basic familiarity with using Zoom and accessing email.
October 21 - November 18
Through film, poetry, music and readings we will explore the evolution of modern Zionism and its impact upon the people who live in the modern state of Israel. We will examine the creation of the Jewish national state in its historical homeland of Palestine as one of the most dramatic stories of rebirth the world has ever seen. Yet its history is fraught with conflict. The very legitimacy of the Zionist idea and the state of Israel are questioned more today than ever before. The debate over Israel, triggered by the latest conflict, terrorist attack or national election, is often guided by emotion rather than substance, by fear, anger or deep loyalty, rather than an understanding of Zionism and its history. This course is an attempt to bring these issues and the questions they raise to the forefront of our conversations.
Drawing on the latest historical scholarship and the celebrated documentary film Colliding Dreams, we will address the internal battles amongst Jews with fiercely differing viewpoints, as well as the continuing conflict between Jews and Palestinians. This course will provide a coherent and powerful antidote to the lack of knowledge most of us have regarding these issues and provide a greater understanding of what has led to the conflict that has engulfed Israel today.
More facilitated discussion than lecture.
Film: Colliding Dreams (I will provide the film, which we will watch over the 5 weeks). Poetry and articles will be provided. There will be optional books I will suggest for students to purchase, but that will be optional.
2 hours
Jan Darsa was Director of Jewish Education at Facing History and Ourselves for over 20 years, and has developed curricula in the field of Holocaust History, Jewish life before WW II and Israeli History. Her recent publications are Sacred Texts, Modern Questions: Connecting Ethics and History Through A Jewish Lens, and Colliding Dreams Study Guide. Jan has taught in public and private high schools and Tufts University and Hebrew College (Open Circle). She is a Jerusalem Fellow, studying for 2 years (1988-90) in Jerusalem, and in 1991 was a scholar-in-residence in South Africa. In 2010 she received the Covenant Award for excellence in Jewish Education.