Leadership Seminar
Following are the options for the Leadership Seminar classes
that will take place on Thursday mornings
Campus Ready
Purpose and goals:
Since October 7, 2023, Jewish students face new challenges on college campuses—hostility toward Israel, Zionism, and even Jewish identity. This course emphasizes critical thinking, open dialogue, and real-world strategies over scripted talking points. We will:
. Learn counter-narratives
. Tackle tough conversations
. Practice responding campus scenarios
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This course is for those who:
Anyone curious about anti-Zionism who wants to ask tough questions, explore ideas, and learn real strategies for handling campus life—no elephants in the room.
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About the teacher:
Dr. Amy Weinreb is the Director of Campus Initiatives at Makom—the Israel Education laboratory of the Jewish Agency. She brings 15+ years of teaching experience from UT Austin, NYU Tel Aviv, and The Hebrew University. She holds a Ph.D. in cultural anthropology and designs inclusive, student-centered classes that connect global perspectives to your gap year experience.
Course development
Class Nº1 - Welcome. No Elephants in the Room!
Main questions that this class will seek to answer:
How can we create a safe, respectful space for asking and exploring complex questions about Israel, Zionism, and and Anti-Zionism?
What are the group norms that allow open dialogue with no “elephants in the room”?
How can we start building trust, curiosity, and positive connections as a group?
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Learning tools/methodology:
Brainstorm: Agree on group norms
Pick your own “Elephant Cards”: Share questions or tricky topics, and hang them on our Elephant Wall, our committment to establish a space where no question is off limits
Think-Pair-Share: Who is our “Us”?
Class Nº2 - Timeline Challenge: How Israel’s Story Unfolds [Note: special guest Insructor Matt Lipman]
Main questions that this class will seek to answer:
Do you know the key historical, cultural, and political events shaped Zionism over time?
Why do these events hold significance for the Jewish people and for Israelis today?
How do you personally connect with these events and what perspectives shape your understanding?
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Learning tools / methodology:
Chronology game: place historical events on a timeline, discuss their significance
Discuss timeline: explore diverse perspectives, and provide additional historical context.
Select your top five events: share insights with peers, and compare perspectives
Class Nº3 - Counter-Narratives: Pro-Palestinian & Anti-Zionist Voices on Campus
Main questions that this class will seek to answer:
What are the key arguments and themes in pro-Palestinian and anti-Zionist discourse on campus?
How can we critically explore these perspectives without immediate rejection or uncritical acceptance?
What do these narratives reveal, and what do they conceal?
How can we engage thoughtfully and confidently in challenging conversations around these topics?
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Learning tools/methodology:
Mini Film Festival: view short clips presenting anti-Zionist and pro-Palestinian narratives as they appear on campus.
Reveal vs. Conceal tool: Use the flashlight metaphor to analyze what a narrative highlights vs. what it leaves out.
Guided Reflection and dicussion: journal and discuss their reactions, questions, and takeaways
Class Nº4 - Fluent and Ready for Campus Discourse on Israel
Main questions that this class will seek to answer:
How does language shape narratives and influence how Israel is perceived on campus?
What are the core terms, events, and figures I need to understand to follow and join campus conversations?
How can I gain confidence using this shared vocabulary in discussions and debates?
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Learning tools/methodology:
Campus Lexicon Cards: Choose terms from cards to research and explain.
Research Blast: Using provided fact sheets and quick research techniques gather key points about their chosen term and record them in journals.
Present findings: Ask questions, and build a visual reference wall of campus discourse terms.
Class Nº5 - Real Campus Scenarios and Role-Plays: What Would YOU say?
Main questions that this class will seek to answer:
How can I confidently handle challenging, real-life situations about Israel on campus?
What strategies help me move beyond talking points to authentic, thoughtful dialogue?
How can I stay grounded, manage emotions, and respond effectively under pressure?
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Learning tools/methodology:
Embodied Awareness Warm-Up: Recognize physical responses to stress and build self-awareness for communication.
Scenario Role Plays: Practice navigating seven real campus situations (antisemitic graffiti, boycotts, political bias, protests etc.) in pairs.
Feedback & Re-Dos: Receive constructive feedback and try again to strengthen responses and confidence.
Reflection: Group discussion on lessons learned, emotional takeaways, and personal growth in handling campus discourse.
Class Nº6 - Build Your Action Plan: Next Steps for Campus Readiness
Main questions that this class will seek to answer:
How can I create a personalized plan for handling challenging campus situations?
What strengths, resources, and strategies will help me stay resilient and confident?
What specific steps will I take to continue learning, building support networks, and engaging in meaningful dialogue about Israel?
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Learning tools/methodology:
Action Plan Journal Activity: Reflect on strengths, challenges, and goals to build personalized action plans.
Group Sharing & Feedback: Share their plans, receive input, and exchange strategies.
Resource Review: Explore curated readings, films, and campus contacts to support next steps.
Reflection & Commitment: Record next steps, identify support networks, and commit to specific actions in the coming months
Talk Israel Debating Israel and engaging in discussions
Purpose and goals:
Embark on an exciting journey with our course, "Debate Israel" tailor-made for students seeking to enhance their communication skills. Dive into the fundamentals of rhetoric, learn how to craft persuasive arguments, and gain the skills to navigate debates with ease. Through interactive activities and simulations, you'll not only master the art of effective debate but also develop the confidence to express your thoughts persuasively. This course is not just about winning arguments – it's about finding your voice, building self-assurance, and honing skills that will benefit you at university, in the community, in the movement and the future work place
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This course is for those who:
This course is just not theory -it is hands on practicing skills. "Debate Israel is ideal for students aiming to boost communication skills, critical thinking, and confidence. It explores more dilemmas of being a Jew in a complicated world. Perfect for aspiring debaters, student leaders, or anyone seeking to strengthen communication skills for personal and professional growth, join us on a journey where you'll master the art of debate and build essential life skills. The class requires active participation
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About the teacher:
With a unique teaching style Neil Lazarus has become an internationally acclaimed commentator and educator in the fields of Middle East politics, public diplomacy and effective communication training. His client list is extensive and includes; The Foreign Ministry of Israel, Hillel, Birthright, The Jewish Agency of Israel, and many more.
Course development
Class Nº1 - The art of effective communication/speaking
Main questions that this class will seek to answer:
How to effectively answer questions and win discussions
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Learning tools/methodology:
Role play, video, observation, feedback
Class Nº2 - The art of effective debate
Main questions that this class will seek to answer:
The 5 Essentials of effective debate
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Learning tools / methodology:
Role play, video, observation, feedback
Debate 1. Is Israel committing genocide in Gaza?
Class Nº3 - Debate 2
Main questions that this class will seek to answer:
Should Jews in the diaspora openly criticize Israeli policy?
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Learning tools/methodology:
Role play, video, observation, feedback
Class Nº4 - Debate 2 Zionism, racism, apartheid
Main questions that this class will seek to answer:
Is Zionism a form of racism and apartheid?
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Learning tools/methodology:
Role play, video, observation, feedback
Class Nº5 - Debate 3 Anti Zionism and AntSemitism
Main questions that this class will seek to answer:
Is Antizionism is antisemitism?
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Learning tools/methodology:
Role play, video, observation, feedback
Class Nº6 - Scenarios and Dilemmas
Main questions that this class will seek to answer:
How do educators deal with moral dilemmas. A Christian evangelical group that supports Israel has offered to help fund you Israel weekend, but refuse to work with open gay leadership, parents refuse to send their children to Israel via your movement if they visit a settlement, your leader campus group refuses to allow you to join if you openly support Israel. This classes always leads to a heated discussion
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Learning tools/methodology:
Scenario discussion
Class Nº7 - Finding your voice.
Main questions that this class will seek to answer:
Your local synagogue has combined with a local mosque and wants you to help fund a visit of Palestinian children from Gaza to talk about their experiences. Is this event educational or propaganda? Your local Israeli embassy wishes your movement to help host an Israeli politician who is seen as controversial. Do you disagree of always support Israel. Is there a compromise?
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Learning tools/methodology:
Role play, video, observation, feedback