Israel Tour: a Time to Open Up Discussion, Not Close it Down
Thursday, 01 September 2011
Richard Pearson, RSY-Netzer Movement Worker, on this year's RSY-Netzer Israel Tour.
This summer RSY-Netzer has set a new agenda in Zionist education. For many years Zionist youth movements have been questioning how do we best educate our youth to give them a love of Israel, and yet allow them to be open to criticism towards some of Israel’s actions. Previously RSY-Netzer felt it had to conform to the idea of creating a love for Israel at 16 and leave addressing the more complex issues until a later age.
However, the movement realised that for many of its participants this initial introduction to Zionism on Israel tour was creating a Zionism that did not withstand the kind of criticism of the Israeli government’s actions that many faced when they went to university or college.
Therefore, RSY-Netzer set out to create an education journey involving Israel Tour that created a love of Israel and Zionism whilst showing how we can process different narratives in order to understand criticism of some actions of the Israeli government. This, RSY-Netzer believe, will create a much more robust, open and honest Zionism within our participants.
This meant our participants were not only shown the classic sites of Israel, but also dealt with some of the more complex issues. Issues we avoided educating about in the past are now included as part of the educational journey on Israel Tour - and it’s great to see the participants arrive home with a greater love and passion for Israel than ever before. One young Zionist – Leora said, "If it weren’t for this summer I still would not have a properly informed and defined opinion on my beliefs."
Participants on RSY-Netzer Israel Tour travelled from Tel Aviv’s beaches, to a panel discussion with One Voice – an organisation that brings together Israelis and Palestinians seeking peace. They went on to see areas affected by recent conflicts and met with victims of the conflict from both sides. RSY-Netzer tours were also given a talk overlooking East Jerusalem about whether the city should be divided – and who is living in the different neighbourhoods of Israel.
As the tours returned home everyone was full of praise. Jess commented, "Everyone says Tour is the best month of your life and it really is. I can’t think of one thing that I would change." Tamara said, "I have learnt about the complexities in the state of Israel and will continue to take an interest in this after Tour." Oli commented, "I have learnt so much about the conflict, history and the land itself. It has made me love Israel... it has inspired me to be with RSY-Netzer for as long as possible"
RSY-Netzer also has an excellent reputation for creating a positive group dynamic, and Movement Worker Josh Martin believes that "even in a difficult financial climate we are increasing in size because of our innovative education, great programmes and a reputation for running a fantastic tour – just ask any of our participants from the summer".
RSY-Netzer Israel Tour 2012 places will be open in October, for more information go to the RSY-Netzer website.
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