THE iCENTER TRAINS EDUCATORS IN NEW STRATEGIES AND SKILLS TO ENGAGE LEARNERS IN ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CONFLICT

Amid challenges facing Israel and the Jewish education world, 30 Jewish educators from around the country gathered to learn new strategies and skills that will help learners engage with the Arab-Israeli and Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The educators are in the newest cohort of The iCenter’s Conflicts of Interest professional development program, which has seen a surge of interest since Oct. 7, 2023.

“Educators are looking for ways to help learners make sense of current events. That requires more than just facts: it takes confidence, clear frameworks and relevant knowledge,” said Dan Tatar, interim CEO of The iCenter. “Conflicts of Interest gives educators the tools to choose the approach that works best for their learners and their community. It’s not a one-size-fits-all program, and that’s what makes it so valuable.”

“This space lets us dive into the tough, thoughtful conversations my students are asking me about, so I feel better equipped to teach them,” said Phoebe Ellman, campus engagement manager at Hillel of Greater MetroWest N.J. “I was skeptical at first, but today’s exercise gave me a whole new way to see interconnected and complicated webs of thought—I can’t wait to try it with my students.”

Conflicts of Interest addresses key issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in a month-long intensive certificate program, utilizing top resources from conflict, peace and civic education. The program centers on proven pedagogical approaches, content areas and the key historical and contemporary issues that shape the conversation today. The program reflects The iCenter’s approach that places the learner at the center of the learning experience.

“We have to meet the needs of educators as each moment demands.” said Or Shemer, program director of the Conflicts of Interest program. “Many educators want to bring the conflict into their Israel education curriculum but hesitate because of its complexity. We are providing educators a toolkit they can adapt to their setting, helping them turn complexity into relevant and engaging learning.”

Since its launch in August 2023, the initiative has certified more than 400 educators. Independent evaluation from earlier cohorts shows that participants gained more confidence and skills in engaging learners in conversations about the conflict. Applications are open for the next Conflicts of Interest cohort, which begins October 22nd.

“Since October 7, everything has changed in how we teach. This program gives me tools to hold multiple truths at once,” said Barry Shainker, religious school assistant director at Temple Israel of the City of New York. “[This program] flipped my perspective on its head and pushed me to see history through multiple lenses.”