Studies in the History of Zionism

Summary Lesson #II: From National Consciousness to National Movement - the Zionist Option

by Nili Kadary

Note: This unit summarizes Hebrew units 9-15. The translated version has been adapted for use on a shorter program or the complete course.

Outline:

1. This is a review module. It requires that the preceeding units be summarized at the outset [please see index and goals].
2. The actual review is experiential - there are four activities which bring all the central factors into play through independent assignment [for each group of participants].
3. If you have not covered lessons 9-15 separately, we recommend preparing the following reading:
   • A short biography of Theodore Herzl and some quotations from his works and about him. [See: http://www. wzo.org.il/ for the tour of the Zionist Central Archives; Keter mini-encyclopaedia series; Encyclopaedia Judaica; Who's Who in Jewish History...]
   • Major Zionists plus some details about them: Fore-runners, thinkers, people of action. [See: same sources as above; files available from the Pedagogic Center's Exhibition]
   • Articles about the First and Second Aliyot. Idealistic and objective perspectives, please! [See: same sources as for #1; files on aliyot from the Pedagogic Center as reprinted from "Exodus", 1991 (the large new wave of Soviet aliya), available on request]
   • Biographies of figures from these Aliyot. [See: as #1; any stories about founding early agricultural settlements - moshavot, kibbutzim]
4. Each activity can be prepared in parallel by a different group in the first session; presentations and summaries take another session. Each unit will use a different presentation method.
5. There are 2 worksheets to duplicate [for #1 and #2, respectively].

1: Binyamin Zeev Herzl and the Zionist Movement

Motif: "Only once in thousands of years is an incredible man like this born..." [about Herzl and his work]

Assignment: In pairs or threes, participants prepare a eulogy to Herzl, relating to his personality and his life's work.

Option: Participants may express different views within the Zionist movement [prepare separately].

Worksheet: Situation

You represent a community in the Zionist movement. You have just received news of the death of Binyamin Zeev Herzl at the age of 44.

You will be sending a delegation to the funeral in Vienna. Prepare a 3-minute eulogy for this sad occasion to express your admiration for this singular leader and his work.

2: The Zionist Movement and the Aliyot

Motif: Major streams in the development of the Zionist movement.

Assignment: Using the worksheet provided, name the major figures of each kind of approach to Zionism and summarize their views in 3-5 points.

Option: Continuation - Allocate roles to participants who will represent major figures from each group in Zionist history [in pairs or threes] and study the materials. Stage impromptu debates on 2 or 3 issues [so that everyone can have a turn], such as: The Uganda Plan or Eretz Israel? Do we support Turkey or Britain in World War I? Yiddish or Hebrew as a national language? The essence of the country we wish to build is ...

Worksheet: The Early Zionists and their Ideas

Please fill in the chart with the appropriate details.

Name of Movement	Names of Leaders	Major Ideas
People of Action
Political Zionists
"Synthesizing" Zionists

3: The First and Second Aliyot

Motif: Creating a PR image for Zionism.

Assignment: Poster or handbill preparation on these two aliyot. Divide the group into small groups - each forms a PR company! Using the background information, each group is to plan a publicity line for either of the aliyot, with use of visual elements and a statement of salient points.

Materials: Poster board or similar large sheets of paper; markers & paints; any other stationery; glue / drawing pins. Image bank - collection of photocopied pictures relating to the era.

4: The Pioneers

Motif: Personal stories - family sagas.

Assignment: Divide into groups of four or five, each of which creates a story about a family which came to Eretz Yisrael from Russia during this period [1881-1914], taking the story up to the beginning of World War II. Who were the characters? What trials and triumphs did they experience? Have the characters relate to world events as well as their daily lives and the major figures of the Yishuv. Each group tells their story, introducing themselves and highlighting only a few of the events [5 mins per group].

Options: Use more than one session, so that you can - * Build an annotated family album [needs an image bank]. * Dramatize the sagas [needs props and effects].

Editor: Yossi Pnini Editor: Gila Ansell Brauner

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