ISRAELI SOCIETY, HISTORY AND POLITICS – PART 2

A course for those who have completed the course Israeli Society, History and Politics – Part 1. Here we take an in-depth look and add new perspectives to some of the topics covered in the first course, using texts, film, political and social analysis, and other sources.

We will discuss topics such as the story of North African and Middle Eastern Jews in the 20th century, pre Herzl Zionism and the conflicts between Theodor Herzl and his Jewish opponents. We will also read key texts by Herzl, Yitzhak Rabin, Benjamin Netanyahu, Berl Katznelson, Haim Arlosoroff, Ze’ev Jabotinsky, Reuven Rivlin, and others, and explore more deeply the implications of the 1948, 1967, and 1973 wars and the development of post-war movements such as Gush Emunim (the settler movement) and Shalom Achshav (Peace Now).

As in the first course, these subjects will be complemented by elements of Israeli culture, including music, film, and literature.

Paideia folkhögskola also offers the course Israeli Society, History and Politics – Part 1. You can find more information on the course page for that course.

Prior Knowledge

The course is given in English.

Applicants need to have completed the course Israeli Society, History and Politics – Part 1 or the course Israeli Society, History and Politics. 

Course Material

Course material is included in the cost for this course.

About the Teacher

David Stavrou was born and raised in Israel and is now based in Stockholm. He is a journalist, guide, and teacher. As a journalist, he writes about Sweden, Scandinavia, and Europe for, among others, the Israeli daily newspaper Haaretz, and about Israel for, among others, Svenska Dagbladet. David’s main areas of focus are issues related to democracy, human rights, genocide, political history, and culture. His book An Israeli Cross, which he co-authored with his brother Daniel Stavrou, was published in 2014 by the Israeli publisher Indibook. David’s second book on the Israeli diaspora in Europe, Leaving Zion, was published in 2020 by the Israeli publisher Pardes. He is married and the father of four sons.

Photo: Haifa, Canva.