The One-Sided Lesson You Didn't Know About
As a high school social studies teacher, I have always tried to help my students realize the importance of knowing the history of a place or people in order to understand current events. I just recently taught my world history class about the Hebrews and their historical claims to the land of Israel. Then the attack on Israelis happened.
The catastrophic events in Israel this month have become a catalyst for me to try and look with an unbiased lens, and to evaluate all sides truthfully. Personally, I have always been fascinated by the story of the Jewish people and their struggle to survive throughout history. Much of my understanding about this group of people is biblical, but with that being said, I still strive to give an even presentation of both Palestinian, Muslim and Jewish experiences in the region.
The catastrophic events in Israel this month have become a catalyst for me to try and look with an unbiased lens, and to evaluate all sides truthfully. Personally, I have always been fascinated by the story of the Jewish people and their struggle to survive throughout history. Much of my understanding about this group of people is biblical, but with that being said, I still strive to give an even presentation of both Palestinian, Muslim and Jewish experiences in the region.
However, as much as I try to help students, it is the media’s coverage of the ongoing issue that I see as detrimental to their understanding. Although I believe that there are a large number of Americans that are appalled by the surprise attack of Israeli citizens, and Israel's response to deal with Hamas in the south of Israel, there seems to be a very large number of pro-Palestinians that think this attack was justified. The media and communication from Congressmen and even the White House have been very one-sided, suggesting that these atrocities are bad, BUT that Israel should NOT attack Gaza. Muslim citizens in America are openly protesting that Israeli occupation of Palestinian lands needs to end by any means necessary - holding swastikas in their hands and yelling “death to Jews”, and our young people are seeing this. |
Much of the conversations that I am hearing from students and left leaning teachers in my department as well as the online community of teachers, are scary. I spent several hours last week researching “Palestinian/Israeli conflict lesson plans” to see what teachers might be implementing in their courses. There was a saturation of the one-sided story about how bad Israel has been to Palestine. I was angered by the amount of anti-Jewish lessons on teaching resource sites. Here are just a few examples of these lessons that teachers are accessing to teach young people.
The BLM curriculum site - these activists have brainwashed the minds of millions of people with their admitted Marxist beliefs. They are now being highlighted again as the stand in solidarity with Palestine. These young black leaders have adopted the LBGTQ+ minority group, and have now seemingly absorbed the cause of Palestinians who are being oppressed under the “West’s tyranny”.
These leaders are free to believe what they want, but they don’t keep it to themselves and they are on the same social media platforms that our kids are. The amount of propaganda from these, and other terrorist groups, are influencing our younger generations in ways that we were not exposed to, and needs to be monitored. They have gone one step further and added free curriculum full of “anti-colonial, anti-west, anti-capitalism” lessons and resources for public use.
Another site that popped up on Google when researching lesson plans on the topic is owned by a San Francisco teacher who presents very a specific, and leading list of resources that would push students towards determinations that are obviously Pro-Palestinian and anti-Israelis in nature.
These leaders are free to believe what they want, but they don’t keep it to themselves and they are on the same social media platforms that our kids are. The amount of propaganda from these, and other terrorist groups, are influencing our younger generations in ways that we were not exposed to, and needs to be monitored. They have gone one step further and added free curriculum full of “anti-colonial, anti-west, anti-capitalism” lessons and resources for public use.
Another site that popped up on Google when researching lesson plans on the topic is owned by a San Francisco teacher who presents very a specific, and leading list of resources that would push students towards determinations that are obviously Pro-Palestinian and anti-Israelis in nature.
Learning about this history is important, but if teachers aren’t maintaining equal representation and impartiality in lessons, we have a problem. Curriculum, research and resources should be presented to students in unemotional, factual and non partisan ways. Facts speak for themselves because they are true. They don’t have to sway anyone. Instead, they promote critical thinking skills that allow students to make up their own mind about this conflict. This is a great, non-partisan site with a large number of videos and literature explaining the history of the land, and the conflict in Israel. Websites, advertisements, lesson plans and outright propaganda all play a part in the messaging our students are receiving. So what part should parents play in trying to combat this one-sided, detrimental way of teaching about the conflict? |
First, as Christian parents, (or at the very least, Americans who believe in the Judeo-Christian principles), they need to know what God’s Word says about the Jewish people, and His promise to them involving this piece of land.
God promised Abraham, "I will give to you, and to your descendants after you, the land of your sojourning, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession." Genesis 15:18. God also covenanted with Ishmael, regarded as the father of the Arab people. However, that promise was for nationhood, not land.
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As a Judeo-Christian (the morals and values upon which we are established) society and allies with Israel, children should understand the importance of the city of Jerusalem and the protection of the Jewish people. We are all in the same family, and there are promises that those who pray for the peace of Jerusalem will be blessed.
“I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse” (Gen. 12:1–3).
We can also support our educators by finding out what questions or confusion our children might have about these topics. We don’t have to be experts on the history of the Middle East, but helping them navigate where there is hatred of others and anger about war and fighting can help combat confusion. Below you will find several sites that might be helpful in your hope to talk to your students about these events and this incredibly important time in our history. Ultimately, it's good for us to remember that the Israelis are God’s people and we have been brought into that family and our bond is strong. God promises that He will bless those who bless Israel, and curse those who curse them (Numbers 24:9).
So may we consider Israel our brothers and remember what Paul said in Galatians 6:10 - “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”
So may we consider Israel our brothers and remember what Paul said in Galatians 6:10 - “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”
Resources for talking with your student about the conflict:
Getting involved locally:
There are many different ways that citizens can get involved in the educational process. Schools are asking for participation in many different ways. The schools along the corridor have made school board meetings readily available for the public to watch and participate in. Together, we can contribute time and attention to our young people. Below is a list of opportunities:
-Attend a board meeting (virtual): Bennett, Strasburg, Byers, Deer Trail
-Run for school board positions
-Write your local superintendent
-Attend a board meeting (virtual): Bennett, Strasburg, Byers, Deer Trail
-Run for school board positions
-Write your local superintendent
- Bennett * Mrs. Robin Purdy
- Strasburg * Mr. Dan Hoff
- Byers * Mr. Tom Turrell
- Deer Trail * Mr. BJ Buchmann