Israel/Palestine Course
Israel/Palestine: Is There a Samaritan on the Road?
As followers of Jesus, do we have any responsibility for seeking peace, justice and security for Israelis and Palestinians? Are we immobilized by our perception of “facts” on the ground and in people’s hearts? Do we yearn for peace, but fear getting involved?
This class will be a safe space for exploring issues and considering personal responses. Readings, film clips, and guest presenters will help us hear the voices of those involved, understand the memories and forces that affect them, and learn about peacemakers.
The quotation above is from a notice promoting a new course offered at St. Mark’s in the late fall of 2010. Entitled Israel/Palestine: Is There a Samaritan on the Road?, the course was developed by the church’s Mid-East Working Group, with the assistance of its adult education program.
Thirty-four members of the congregation responded to this opportunity and participated enthusiastically in what became a journey of engagement and exploration. Even while the course was underway, people at other churches in the metropolitan area learned about what we were doing and began to ask if we would share our experience and materials.
In response, we have prepared the documents listed below: a Facilitators’ Manual describing the four two-hour sessions (with a frank assessment of what worked and what did not work) and appendices containing the readings, handouts, and small group exercises used in the course. We offer these materials not as a model to be followed in lockstep, but as a compendium of insights, methods, and recommendations that others may find useful in developing a similar introductory course for their own congregation.
Facilitators’ Manual
Description of Appendices
Appendix A -- Promoting the Course
Appendix B -- The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: A Brief Guide
Appendix C -- Session 1 and 2: Facilitator Notes
Appendix D -- Session 2: Israeli & Palestinian Narratives
Appendix E -- Session 3 Material
Three Fact Sheets on Israel and Palestine
Film Selection and Response
Readings from Scripture and Closing Prayer
Appendix F -- Session 4 Material
Reading for the Class
Facilitator Instructions for Break-out Groups
Notes on the Good Samaritan Story and Commitment Cards
Appendix G -- Course Evaluation and Recommendations
Appendix H -- Take Home Material
Appendix I -- Advocating for Peace and Justice
