Every map tells a story. Whenever we choose a map, whether or not we are conscious of it, we are choosing a particular narrative and perspective. No map is perfectly accurate. Every map is the product of a series of decisions taken by the map-maker. The excerpt below from the television show The West Wing demonstrates the ways in which maps are shaped, shared and interpreted.
When it comes to Israel, maps are rapidly changing and, in many cases, are used by individuals and groups all over the world, both within and outside of Israel, as a tool to make a point, political or otherwise. Through the use of Core Ideas, Questions to Explore, Group Activities, and Source Materials, this topic introduces learners to the concept of map as story-teller and provides them with tools to analyze and choose maps of Israel that reflect perspectives they wish to convey and that, hopefully, reflect their relationship with Israel. The resource culminates with an activity in which the learners recommend a map of Israel to their institution.