top of page
The Making of Modern Israel: History and Conflict

This course equips students to understand the modern Middle East by grounding current events in their historical context. By tracing the development of modern Israel—from the late Ottoman period through major wars, political movements, and ongoing conflicts—students learn that present-day issues cannot be understood in isolation. Instead, they must be viewed through the lens of history, where decisions, ideas, and events across generations continue to shape today’s realities. Through this approach, students gain not only knowledge of the past, but the ability to think more clearly and thoughtfully about the world around them.

image (5).png
The Making of Modern Israel: History and Conflict
(Grades 6–8 and 9–12)​

Format: Two 75-minute class sessions twice a week for six weeks during Summer Session, one 75-minute class session a week for twelve weeks during Autumn Session or Spring Session

The modern state of Israel emerged out of a long and complex history shaped by shifting empires, competing national movements, and global conflict. In this course, students will examine the historical development of the region, beginning with the evolution of the term “Palestine,” the rise of modern Zionism, and the political realities of the late Ottoman and pre–World War I period. Through guided discussion and historical analysis, students will consider how ideas of nationhood, identity, and land contributed to the formation of the modern state.

 

The course continues through the twentieth century, exploring the impact of World War II, the establishment of Israel, and the major conflicts that followed, including the War of Independence, the Six-Day War, and the Yom Kippur War. Students will also examine the First and Second Intifadas, the role of neighboring nations, and the evolving relationship between Israel and the United States. By studying both events and perspectives, students will gain a clearer understanding of the ongoing challenges and historical roots of conflict in the region.

 

Rather than simply learning a sequence of events, students will learn to think carefully about history, conflict, and the role of leadership in a contested region. By examining primary sources and competing viewpoints, students will develop a deeper understanding of how historical narratives are formed and how they continue to shape the present.

​

What Students Will Learn

  • The historical background of the region, including the development of the term “Palestine”

  • The rise of modern Zionism and early twentieth-century political changes

  • The events leading to the establishment of the state of Israel

  • The causes and outcomes of major conflicts, including 1948, 1967, and 1973

  • The significance of the First and Second Intifadas

  • The role of regional and global powers, including the United States

  • How historical perspectives and narratives shape modern understanding of conflict 

bottom of page