The Pulse of Israel
-
-
-
-
-
THE PULSE OF ISRAEL: EDUCATIONAL APPROACH
The Pulse of Israel is The iCenter’s curricular resource collection that uses questions to unpack current events and historical phenomena in Israel. This collection helps learners recognize the importance of questions as a timeless value of learning and as a timely tool to engage with current events. Questions demonstrate and elicit curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. Just as relationships are built on questions—where are you from?; what do you do for work?; what excites you?—The Pulse of Israel uses the medium of questions to build a better understanding of and relationship with Israel, Israelis, and many of the issues on their minds.
A GUIDE TO THE CURRICULUM
The Pulse of Israel delves into the questions that are essential to understanding modern Israel. Each thematic module incorporates these questions into two types of resources—FAQs and QBAs—to offer insights into Israel’s evolving character. They do so by exploring key themes—democracy, military service, societal divisions, and international relations—through a mix of interactive activities, discussions, videos, articles, poems, music, and other cultural materials. By addressing contentious and polarizing topics, the curriculum helps foster informed and nuanced conversation.
A DEMOCRACY WITHOUT A CONSTITUTION
Like all democracies, Israel bears the responsibility to protect certain rights and freedoms that generally are enshrined in a constitution—but Israel does not have a constitution. “A Democracy without a Constitution” explores how various state institutions navigate this complexity as we probe a central question: how does Israeli democracy function without a constitution?
BASIC LAWS
Why Do They Exist and What Do They Do?
Israel’s Basic Laws define the responsibilities of numerous state institutions and government officials, outline the civil rights of citizens, and encapsulate the ethos of the country. But do they comprise a constitution?
KNESSET AND GOVERNMENT
What Are They Without a Constitution?
The Knesset is Israel’s parliament, and its government is made up of a select number of Members of Knesset who oversee various state departments. How are these two bodies related and what do they do?
THE SUPREME COURT
How Does It Function Without a Constitution?
The Supreme Court plays a unique role in Israeli democracy. Does the Court hold outsized, undemocratic powers? Or is it the ultimate protector of civil liberties, minority groups, and democracy itself?
A PEOPLE'S ARMY
“A People’s Army” explores the place of the IDF in Israeli culture, politics, and society. This resource collection engages with fundamental questions concerning how and why the IDF has been called a people’s army—and how and why (and for whom) it is not.
HAREDIM
The Problem With Mandatory Service
Haredim, also known as ultra-Orthodox Jews, represent 13% of the Israeli population, yet most of them do not serve in the IDF. What is the history behind their exemption from service, and what lies behind the debate over their exemption?
ARMY AND POLITICIANS
The Pipeline From the Military to Politics
IDF chiefs of staff and army generals have entered Israeli politics at an unusually high rate. By exploring the lives of Yitzhak Rabin and Ariel Sharon, this resource delves into the uniquely Israeli trend military commanders becoming leading politicians.
WOMEN IN THE IDF
A History of Controversy and Service
Women’s roles in the IDF and their integration therein have expanded since 1948, often in the wake of national crises or campaigns launched by women. This resource examines how, in the realm of gender, Israeli society has influenced the IDF and vice versa.
A SHARED SOCIETY DIVIDED
“A Shared Society Divided” explores how, why, and when Israel becomes divided by examining the challenges and opportunities that accompany the country’s diverse populations. This collection highlights the significance of waves of immigration, the role of protest in Israeli civic culture, and the growing community of Arab citizens of Israel to encourage engagement with questions of difference.
IMMIGRATION AND INTEGRATION
The Diverse Communities of Israel
Millions of Jews have immigrated to Israel since 1948. Who are they, when did they arrive, and how have they integrated culturally and politically? How is their heritage and legacy ultimately remembered or forgotten?
PEOPLE AND PROTESTS
Civic Unrest: Who, What, and Why
Civic activism is a cornerstone of Israeli society and politics. This resource examines protests that have taken place in Israel, the reasons Israelis have protested, and the symbols and language of various Israeli protest movements.
ARAB CITIZENS OF ISRAEL
Communal and National Identities
Israel’s diversity goes far beyond its Jewish community. Representing more than 20% of the population, Arab citizens of Israel are key to Israeli society. Who are they, how do they identify, and what challenges do they face?
ISRAEL AND/IN THE WORLD
COMING SOON…
אולי יעניין אתכם גם
You Might Also Like
TAGS