Educational Resources
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Podcasts bring stories to life, exposing us to different narratives and opinions, enriching our knowledge and providing an opportunity for critical inquiry. As a result, educators are finding new ways to bring them into classrooms, discussions, and community gatherings.
There are many ways to explore Israel Story’s rich content. Each episode can be discussed in one session or broken into several lessons, depending on time and audience. Learners can listen on their own or together during class. Students can select an episode that speaks to them and use it as inspiration for an art project (see an example here). Educators can facilitate discussions on key issues, assign individual exploration or implement activities.
Below are free discussion guides and class resources to facilitate Israel education through the emotional strength of Israel Story episodes.
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Meet the Hostages’ ParentsIn collaboration with Everyone Counts Using moving and powerful clips from two episodes of Israel Story’s Wartime Diaries podcast series, we will meet the parents of two hostages—Hersh Goldberg-Polin and Alon Ohel, both of whom were abducted from the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023—and hear about the different ways in which they take action toward the release of their sons. |
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Wartime Diaries: Tzvika MorIn collaboration with The Jewish Education Project In an interview with Tzvika Mor, whose son was taken hostage on October 7th, you’ll hear Mor’s view – which is highly controversial among the families of the hostages and a large segment of the Israeli public – that the Israeli government should not reach an agreement with Hamas to free the hostages until all of Israel’s war aims are achieved. |
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Wartime Diaries: Mor MaiselIn collaboration with The Jewish Education Project Everything in this corner of the world changed on Saturday, October 7, 2023. All around us, friends, family, colleagues, people have died. People are missing. People have been kidnapped. The war forced many people to reevaluate their identities and political sensibilities—not an easy task during shocking and painful days. Mor Maisel’s opinions are complicated and don’t conform to the norm, which may be challenging for some listeners, and reassuring for others. |
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Music Makes It OK: David BrozaIn collaboration with M2 The Institute for Experiential Jewish Education Based on the Wartime Diaries: David Broza episode, this classroom discussion guide explores the power of music to create hope in the face of crisis and trauma. |
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Religious PluralismIn collaboration with Bryan Oren Religious pluralism in Israel – can it be achieved? This discussion guide centers around Episode 43: “The Wall” Part IV – This Wall Is My Wall, which engages in the dynamics of |
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Mixtape CompanionIn collaboration with The iCenter Music and song play a central role in Israel’s culture. From the early pioneers, who adapted their songs to their new homeland, to the contemporary sound and verse of today’s poets and lyricists – the playlist evolves to reflect the changing history of Israel. These materials harness the power of music to inspire connections to the land and people of Israel. Mixtape, an Israel Story miniseries, provides an in-depth exploration of Israel’s ultimate playlist. This four-part musical journey takes us through anthems, songs of yearning and songs of war, and peace, showcasing the stories behind some of Israel’s most iconic tunes. |
