For The Sake Of Zion

This educator’s guide is intended to provide students with a sense of pride and understanding of modern
Zionism and its achievements.
Once Jewish students leave the protective bubble of school, home or intimate social group and enter the
“real world” of a mixed college campus, sometimes hostile to Jews and Zionism, they often find themselves
uncomfortable, on the defensive and unable to speak about Israel, in part because they lack the
knowledge of and passion for Zion.
In order to respond effectively with a sense of self-respect and to be proactive, students need commitment
and pride, as well as knowledge and tools. The units in this guide are structured to paint broadbrush
strokes of Zionist literacy and focus on heroic men and women who helped shape the Zionist
dream. This is a curriculum of “Identity Zionism.” There are many “triggers” that should lead to passionate
group discussion and debate. The clips on the suggested films listed in the index will enhance many
units. It is recommended that this course be taken in conjunction with, or as a precursor to, a college
activism piece such as the excellent curricula available from AJC and AIPAC and “The David Project,” and
of course a visit to Israel , preferably in a peer group educational touring program.
In addition, the educator should also utilise the resources provided in the appendix in order to develop
a comprehensive course on Israel that will provide the students with the specific responses to challenging
questions. The appendix includes:
1. A chronology
2. A bibliography containing recommended books to enhance each unit
3. A list of suggested films to accompany each unit
4. A list of useful educational websites
5. An index of maps and illustrations
The units are structured in the following manner:
• The first pages of each unit are the educator’s guide (blue stripe on top), followed by the student
worksheets (grey stripe on top).
• The first three units are foundation units dealing with the necessity to define Zionism in the twentyfirst
century. This involves exploring our historical and religious connections to the Land of Israel.
• The next four units concern the rise of the modern Zionist movement and the Yishuv (pre-state
Israel). Streams of Zionism will be reviewed as well as the Chalutzim (pioneers) and the hope and
betrayal of the British Mandate era.
• The culminating units relate to the Modern Jewish State, including Israel at war and peace, and acknowledge
the importance of having a Jewish country of our own after almost two stateless millennia.