Middle & High School Educators' Institute on Israel and Antisemitism

Readings, handouts and other instructional materials will be provided, when applicable.

• In-Person, Residential Seminar at Brandeis University

• Immersive Study Tour of Israel (*and the West Bank, pending security conditions)

• Focus on Understanding Israel and Antisemitism: Engage with historians, educators, and community leaders to deepen subject knowledge and enhance classroom instruction.

• Generous Stipends provided to all participants.

The Brandeis University President's Initiative on Antisemitism is pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for its inaugural Middle & High School Educators' Institute on Israel and Antisemitism. This eleven-day summer institute for public and independent school educators and leaders includes an intensive five-day residency at Brandeis University, July 13-17, 2025, followed by a six-day study tour in Israel*, July 18-24, 2025. We strongly encourage educators to apply as a team of 8-10 individuals from within a particular region and community.

Participants will engage with leading academics and practitioners on topics such as: the history of Zionism and Israel; Israeli society and Hebrew culture; the diversity of the Israeli population -- ethnically, religiously, culturally; Palestinian history and society; Arab and Israeli relations and conflicts; geopolitics of the region; the relationship of Israel to antizionism and contemporary antisemitism; educational resources and materials; teaching Israel in a time of conflict; lesson planning and best practices.

The Educators' Institute recognizes that many young students in the U.S. primarily learn about Israel through mainstream and social media, where misinformation and disinformation can easily shape their views. Many middle and high school educators feel unprepared to address the complexities of Israel and contemporary antisemitism. They are seeking the knowledge, skills, and support needed to confidently engage with students on these topics in the classroom and within the broader school community.

The Institute aims to equip middle and high school leaders and educators with:

1. A solid foundation of knowledge and shared language to explore the complexities of Israeli and Palestinian history and society, as well as contemporary manifestations of antisemitism and antizionism.
2. Skills to effectively teach these topics in the classroom.
3. A supportive space outside of school for educators to lean in with curiosity and grapple with complex subject matter, allowing them to model this process for their students.
4. Opportunities to network with fellow educators and build professional connections.
5. Exposure to a wide range of educational content, providers and resources.
6. Access to ongoing learning resources, both online and in-person.

*and the West Bank if security conditions allow.