The Complex History of 1948

In this lesson from ConnectED, students will learn about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict up to Israel’s founding in 1948 from the Israeli and Palestinian perspectives. Examining the conflict from both perspectives helps to promote greater cultural and historical literacy, understanding, and empathy for your students.

This lesson aims to convey three main ideas about this time in history. First, the events of 1948 are essential to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and continue to shape the narratives of both sides today. Exploring history from both of their different viewpoints promotes a deeper empathy and understanding of the full situation. Also, a combination of nationalist movements and international politics add to the complexity of the time.

The 27-minute-long video will walk your students through this historical period and encourage discussions around the following: dual narratives concept, historical background, UN Partition Plan, Deir Yassin and Hadassah Convoy, Israel declaring its statehood, and the 1948 War.

The educator’s guide provides several discussion and reflection questions, engaging learning activities, and review questions to promote dialogue and assess students’ understanding.