Teacher's note: This story contains some graphic images. Be sure to review all materials and check in with students as to how they are feeling. Let them know you, school counselors and administrators are there for them and are available to talk.
SUMMARY
As the war rages between Hamas and Israel in Gaza, some Palestinians in the West Bank are trying to save their homes. Some of the most extreme Israeli settlers there have been clashing violently with their neighbors, forcing them to flee. Leila Molana-Allen reports from near the city of Hebron in the southern part of the West Bank.
Historical context: According to VOX News, "Since Israel’s occupation of the West Bank began in 1967, Israelis have been traveling there in groups to live in settlements." To learn more, read the article, "What are settlements, and why are they such a big deal?"
WATCH VIDEO HERE (Must be viewed on YouTube)
Suggested time markers:
Start of video to 2:55 - Palestinian voices: Sana’a Makharza
2:57 - 5:40 - Israeli government's response; Israelis who support Palestinians
5:42 to end - Palestinian voices: Mohammad Khudayrat
For a transcript of this story, click here.
News wrap alternative: Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.
WARM UP QUESTIONS:
- Who are Sana’a Makharza and Mohammad Khudayrat? What about Kobi Snitz and Sarit Michaeli?
- What is displacement? What is the issue being discussed in this story as it pertains to Israeli settlements and Palestinians being displaced?
- Where is the West Bank?
- When did Israeli settlers start to push into the herding village featured in this story? How long have Palestinian villagers lived in this area?
- How is settler violence driving Palestinian farmers from their land?
Screenshot of an Israeli settlement taken from a Palestinian family's farm: PBS NewsHour
FOCUS QUESTIONS
How do Israeli settlements further exacerbate the tensions between Israelis and Palestinians? What do you think should be done to help solve the problems caused by the settlements?
Media literacy: How could you find out more information about the history of settlements in the West Bank and why Israelis have built settlements? Do you think this story should have explored this history more? Why or why not?
Alternative: See, Think, Wonder: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What story would you want to find out more about? Where would you go to learn more?
FOR MORE
What students can do: To learn more about the settlements in the West Bank, watch this video and discuss what you learned with a friend, neighbor or classmate:
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