This unit is designed to lay the foundations for studying modern Israel. Students will learn about Israel’s position
geographically and demographically in the wider region and in the world as well as basic geographic and topographic
facts about the country. These facts and the maps will be useful for understanding later units in Israel 101.
The specific goals of this unit are to:
1. Emphasize Israel’s small size in relation to other countries in the region and in the world and in relation to other countries and states in the U.S. (Students and the general public often think Israel is very large because the media attention it receives has put, in effect, a magnifying glass on the country.)
2. Emphasize Israel’s geographic, demographic and political position in the region.
3. Emphasize the small number of Jews worldwide as opposed to the large numbers in other religions and that Israel is the only Jewish-majority state in the world.
4. Point out the declining population of Christians in the Middle East, except in Israel, where their numbers are growing because there is religious freedom.
5. Emphasize key aspects of Israeli geography and its major cities and its geographic relationship to the West Bank
and Gaza.
6. Give students the opportunity to express their thoughts, expectations and questions about the Israel 101 curriculum. |
1. Many people assume that Israel is very large. These maps show how small it is in size and population relative to the region, to other countries and even to states in the U.S. What do you think caused this image of its large size, and how do you think more accurate images would affect people’s perceptions of the country?
2. Some historians claim “geography is destiny” for a nation. Look up this phrase in a search engine (such as Google) and explore the concept. To what extent do you think “geography is destiny” for Israel in terms of its foreign relations, economic development and options for international trade?
3. Israel is a small country located at the crossroads of three major continents: Asia, Europe, and Africa. (Ancient Israel was located between the great powers of Egypt (Africa) to the south, Babylonia and Persia to the east, and Turkey/Anatolia (Europe) to the north. It was often forced to make alliances with these great powers.) What countries border modern Israel, and what great powers surround it? What impact do
you think they have had on Israel’s modern history?
4. Most countries in the world have one religious majority and/or an official state religion. How is Israel similar to or different from these countries? How are Jews similar to or different from these other religious groups?
5. In the Middle East, which was once largely Christian, the Christian population is rapidly diminishing. In Israel, the Christian population is growing. How would you account for this difference? What government policies and cultural practices are required for religious minorities to remain stable or to grow?
6. What is your image of Israel? Is it rural or urban; desert, beachfront or agricultural; flat or hilly? How would geographic characteristics affect a country’s development and economic choices?
7. How many of Israel’s neighbors have made peace with Israel? How would peaceful relations with different neighbors affect Israel’s economic and political choices and priorities?
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