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Middle East Seminars

Neil,
You would think by now, after all these years, I would have already had enough of you... but you never cease to amaze me! Man - you did an amazing job with our Caravan for Democracy students. It was great seeing you in action and the students definitely rated your sessions as one of the highlights of the trip. I personally enjoyed it a lot. Thanks a lot Neil, we'll be in touch soon,

Alon Friedman
Former WUJS ARAD Executive Director

Behind The Headlines An Israel and Middle East Update
Time: 2 hours ****

Iran, Syria and Hamas have created a violent reality for Israel. Participants are provided with an understanding and overview of Israel's position in a changing Middle East and the major issues confronting countries in the region. Hamas, Hezbollah, the Golan Heights, Lebanon, the future of the territories and the changes within the Israeli Government will also be discussed.

This lecture provides an in-depth analysis of the week's news in Israel, including a news video recorded from Israeli television. This is a popular seminar for anybody wanting to learn more about the reality of Israel and is essential for every group. So if you are interested in Israel and the Middle East - disengagement or politics -this seminar is for you! The seminar continues to be updated.

The Knesset Game - A Simulation Game
Time: 3 hours

Participants are divided into political parties and try to make a coalition. Students soon realize the problems of creating and maintaining a government in Israel. Utilizing multimedia techniques Neil brings the Knesset to life and provides an interesting means to understanding party platforms and the electoral system.

The Israeli Political Parties
Time: 3 hours

This seminar provides an overview of Israel's political parties and their platforms. This activity does not include the Knesset Simulation Game. An ideal session just before visiting the Knesset!!

See a political commercial by Kadima (Hebrew) used in the seminar.

Judaism in the Jewish State
Time: 2 hours

Trying to define Judaism in a Jewish State is at the heart of the struggle between Jews in Israel. This seminar will try to resolve a number of the complicated questions such as: What is Judaism in a Jewish State?

Can Israel be Jewish and democratic? Is Israel just becoming another America? Should the State impose religious restrictions on the secular population to protect its Jewish nature, or do the demands of democracy require a freedom of choice? Should the state define how Shabbat and Kashrut be observed or leave it to the individual to decide? Never boring, this seminar requires participants to discuss situations that have taken place in Israel. This seminar can be presented in debate with an Orthodox Rabbi.

Watch this video used in the seminar.

The Assassination of Yitzchak Rabin
Time 2 hours

The night that changed Israeli history - November 4th 1995. Labor leaders line up on a stage in Kirka Malchei Yisrael Tel Aviv. Suddenly shots ring out....Rabin is pushed into his car and rushed to the hospital.

The impact of the assassination on Israeli society will be examined and discussed using live footage filmed at the time of this unforgettable night.

Hear parts of this seminar:

Leah Rabin: what I will always remember about my husband (153K WAV sound)
See Rabin's murder

The Holocaust in Israeli Society
Time: 2 hours

This seminar looks at the decisive impact of the Holocaust on the identity and ideology of Israel. It is impossible to understand how Israel works and thinks as a society without recognizing the influence of the holocaust. This seminar looks at such turning points as the Eichman trial, German reparations, as well as wider more philosophical issues such as Israel self perception in the post holocaust era.