Israel's Declaration of Independence - Educational Kit

Israel's Declaration of Independence

In Brief

This fun activity transports participants behind the scenes of how the Scroll of Independence came about. You'll discover the hidden stories of the people who shaped this historic document, the challenges and the vision, and the complexity involved in reaching the final version. You'll learn how the American Declaration of Independence influenced the Israeli one, and you'll hear about KKL-JNF's historical and current role in realizing the Zionist dream. This is an opportunity to reconnect with Israel's roots, and understand the ramifications of this historic document on the lives of each and every one of us.
 
Goal of the Kit:
 
Provide tools for a deeper understanding of Israeli identity and encourages active involvement in its continuing journey

Educational kit - declaration of independence - Herzl

General info

The Target Audience:
Middle school and up.

Duration of the Activities:
45-180 minutes.

Location of the Activities:
Varies according to the different activities.
 
Required equipment:
Israeli Declaration of Independence in English, 6 sets of mission cards, "Our Declaration" poster, photo kit,  pens and paper, projector and speakers (not mandatory), Yom Ha'atsmaut presentation (not mandatory)

Click here to download the full Israel's Declaration of Independence Activity Kit

List of the activities in the kit:

Stage 1 - Opening and Background

Here, the participants will be introduced to the connection between the American and the Israeli declarations of independence. After a discussion of the American Declaration of Independence the historical circumstances surrounding it, discussion should focus on the Israeli Declaration of Independence. Expect participants' knowledge of the Israeli declaration to be scant; at this stage, after asking them what they know on the subject, they should be asked why they think American Jews should know about the Israeli Declaration of Independence.

Stage 2 - The Impact of the American Declaration of Independence on Israel's Declaration of Independence

This part of the activity moves from the general to the personal - from the question of how a declaration of independence is formulated and who writes such a document to the story of Mordechai Boehm, a junior lawyer who received the task of formulating the Declaration of Independence. The story emphasizes the American Declaration of Independence inspired the Israeli Declaration of Independence.

Aids from the Kit:

Stage 3 - “Declaration Mat”

Here, we will read and examine the text of the Israeli Declaration of Independence in depth and in a unique manner. Participants will match the mission cards they recieve with the relevant parts from the Declaration Mat. Make sure the group moves around the mat, allowing them to get closer to the relevant text and “zoom in” on it.
 

Stage 4 - “Back to the Future”

Now that we’ve read and discussed the Declaration, and discussed it in depth, it's time to raise the big questions: who is the declaration geared towards? What are its main messages? What are its goals?  The activity addresses how the Jewish state defines itself in relation to the rest of the world,  how the state will relate to its Arab neighbors as part of the region, the right for a Jewish state and the Jewish people in the Diaspora. The big question the activity should lead to is how we can make sure the vision of the Declaration of Independence will remain relevant in the reality of Israel today.
 
Following the discussion, divide the group into teams of 4-6 participants. Each team will receive paper and pens. Their objective is to write a one-sentence vision for Israel's future that will include specific and implementable goals for Israel today. They should relate to previous discussions held during part three of this activity (The Declaration Mat) as inspiration for their vision.
 
*Option: If you intend on running the “Birth of a Nation” activity along with this activity then you should consider signing “Our Declaration” as part of that activity, when reenacting the historical declaration event.
 
Equipment to bring:
  1. Pens and papers