Israeli flag waving in sunset
Resources for teaching about Israel in crisis
Curated Series - The Jewish Education Project
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Since the attack on Israel on October 7, Jewish educators in all settings have been called to teach about Israel in unprecedented and challenging ways. Whether you are educating students about antisemitism, teaching the history of the conflict, providing emotional support, or are struggling yourself to understand what is happening and how to teach about it, we are here for you.

This resource collection provides practical tools and guides for educators to help learners engage with what is happening in age- and setting-appropriate ways, as well as support for educators.

What is this collection missing? Let us know at educator@jewishedproject.org. 

Topic
  • Community Trauma
  • Israel - Contemporary
  • Supportive Conversations
Setting
  • After School and Beyond
  • Congregational Learning
  • Day Schools and Yeshivas
  • Teen Engagement

Webinars and Podcasts from The Jewish Education Project

Engaging Learners around what Happened and what is Happening

Video · Website

This 3-minute video compiles expert commentary from CIE's webinar series to explain Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Grades:

8–12
Lesson · Podcast

How can the voices of the parents inspire us to civic and spiritual action for their release?

Grades:

8–12
Article · Blog · Curriculum · Educational Models · Lesson · Text Study · Website

The horrific attack on Israeli citizens and the ongoing fighting, and news of family and friends who were killed or are still missing has left the entire Jewish world reeling. These practical resources and activities aim to help (yourself and) your students during these trying times.

Grades:

K–Neurodivergent Learners · 3–12
Lesson

5 open resources from JTeach.org for teaching/discussing the current crisis in Israel. These resources range in ages from very young to teens, and can be used in any setting.

Grades:

K–12
Website · Guide

A collection of videos, webinars, timelines, analyses, suggested readings, maps, and educator guides relating to the Israel-Hamas War that began on October 7, 2023.

Grades:

3–12
Video

Are Israel’s current actions towards Palestinians in Gaza actually war crimes according to the legal definition?

Guide · Lesson · Online Activity · Text Study · Video

A toolkit of lessons and resources to help students navigate through this challenging time.

Grades:

6–12
Video

The suffering has left Gazans with a sense of despair and a longing for a change in leadership.

Article · Website

This text timeline tracks the history of Hamas, including its wars with Israel.

Grades:

6–12
Article · Website

Gain context for Hamas' Oct. 7 attack through a history of the Palestinian Islamic resistance movement.

Grades:

8–12
Guide

Explore songs and stories of Israeli music in the dark days following October 7. Created by The iCenter.

Grades:

3–12
Guide · Research

This brief FAQ provides educators and learners with background information on ceasefires.

Grades:

6–12
Guide · Text Study

Delve into the different legal, historical, political, and common usage of terms heard in the context of the Israel-Hamas war.

Grades:

6–12
Video · Website

This 3½-minute video from a CIE webinar presents expert analysis on the relationship between Hezbollah and Iran.

Grades:

8–12

Supporting Learners and Families

Text Study

Read and discuss a prayer written by Rabbi Moses Sofer (Chatam Sofer) and reflect on the power of prayer in difficult times.

Grades:

6–12
Lesson

Discover letters from the NLI's collections written by children during times of war and try to understand the writers' thoughts and emotions.

Grades:

6–12

Learning about the History of the Conflict

Video

Today’s armies are subject to international humanitarian law, national pressure and public scrutiny. Yet they must also uphold themselves to their own specific ethical and moral codes.

Grades:

8–12
Video · Guide · Online Activity · Lesson

Hamas – the terrorist group behind a wave of devastating suicide bombings and attacks in the 1990s and 2000s.

Grades:

6–12
Guide · Lesson · Online Activity · Video

In 2005, Israel withdrew completely from the Gaza strip. What has been going on there since?

Grades:

6–12
Video

What is Hamas and how did it arise as the sole power governing Gaza today?

Video

Since October 7, 2023, Gaza has been at the heart of a brutal war between Israel and Hamas. Watch this video to answer the question: who owns Gaza?

Grades:

8–12