This whole conference, initially meant to teach educators how to present Israel in a green perspective has taken on a more poignant perspective. It’s not just about creating a connection between Creation (ma’aseh b’resheet) and Jewish life and Israel. It’s become more urgent – building a link between Jewish youth of today and tomorrow and Eretz Yisrael in a language that speaks to their sensibilities. And now, after the events of the week, we need to find ways that create positive links to Israel, despite the troublesome stream of bad news from the region. We're not talking about PR. It's not about image. It's about how we want our kids to teach their kids about Israel.
So…my expectations? What do I want to come away with? A way of presenting the idea of Israel that is not linked to blockades and ships and commandos landing on a deck being attacked. A way that will help us look at Israel as a fulfillment of the dreams of a people searching for freedom for themselves, and not at the expense on another.
Let’s see what the next week brings. I'll be tweeting (you can follow me as redmenace 56) and blogging here.
Sounds like you should check out Sviva Israel's Eco Connection program. We use educational technology to connect and teach environmental studies to kids in the USA and Israel.
ReplyDeleteOur US Coordinator, Jonathon Feinberg, is at the Teva seminar too, so he can tell you more about it.