Occupation 101: a history of the present

Join Yesod Farm+Kitchen and the New Israel Fund for an introductory seminar on the Israeli occupation. Vegetarian dinner will be served.

What do people mean when they talk about the “Israeli occupation”? Does it refer to all Israeli state or Jewish civilian presence in historical Palestine or biblical Eretz Yisrael, or just a part of it? When did the occupation begin -- 1967, 1948, or even earlier? How did it begin? How has it been maintained and why? And what does it matter to us as American Jews?

You don’t have much choice in the matter: You read about the news from Israel/Palestine on what feels like a weekly basis. You encounter heated arguments about what’s happening over there in your shul, your family group chat, in books and on TV. Whatever the forum, you’re regularly confronted with what often feels like a dizzying array of ideas and emotions about this place, so special in our Jewish tradition and so painful yet enchanting in the present. You want to participate in the conversation and take a stand based on your principles, but you have questions, like those posed above.

Together we will examine the roots of the modern State of Israel and its present military occupation of Palestinian territory. Starting with the pre-state era, proceeding through the Six Day War of 1967, then the First Intifada, the Oslo Accords, and finishing with the wars in Gaza and our present moment, we will survey this history with an aim toward empowering participants to continue making their own inquiries and take action for justice.

This participatory learning opportunity will be led by NIF’s Young Leadership & Education Coordinator Zak Witus, who holds a master’s degree in Middle Eastern Studies from the University of Chicago and benefits from a rich experiential education from his years as an anti-occupation activist in the US and on the ground in Israel/Palestine.

Let’s learn together.

Accessibility: There is an uphill walk from the parking spot to the workshop area, with closer parking available. We will be seated on a mowed lawn that is not perfectly flat. We will provide folding chairs for seating. If you have a chair that works better for you, you are welcome to bring it. There is a composting toilet and handwashing station nearby.

Meals: Food will be served by Yesod staff who will be masked. In your registration form, you will have an opportunity to share any dietary restrictions or other food needs.

COVID: Please stay home if you are not feeling well or if you have been exposed to someone with symptoms or who has tested positive for COVID in the past 10 days. We ask that everyone brings their own mask and will also have surgical masks available. Individuals can choose how close/distanced they sit from others.

Weather: This event will be outdoors. Dress for your comfort in the weather.

Please note that when you register, your contact information will also be shared with the New Israel Fund, our partner for this educational event.