Israel and Its Neighbors: History and Its Influence

Students learn the history of the city of Jerusalem over the last 4000 years, noting and researching significant events. In groups, they then read and research three other countries in the region—Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. Next, they explore the background to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its ongoing nature. Finally, they are introduced to a youth program that brings together children from two sides of a conflict.

This learning experience is designed for device-enabled classrooms. The teacher guides the lesson, and students use embedded resources, social media skills, and critical thinking skills to actively participate. To get access to a free version of the complete lesson, sign up for an exploros account.

Engage

Overview

In this experience, students examine Jerusalem as a place shaped by thousands of years of changing peoples, governments, religions, and cultural influences. They then investigate the histories of Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria, identifying major developments and lasting influences. Finally, students trace key turning points in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and explain why unresolved issues from the past continue to shape the region today.

In scene 2 and scene 3, students will work in small groups.

Objectives:

Identify different peoples and empires that have ruled Israel and its neighbors and describe their impact
Describe the founding of Israel and the major Arab-Israeli conflicts since 1948

Places change over time, but parts of their past often remain visible. Cities may contain buildings, walls, religious sites, languages, traditions, and neighborhoods shaped by people who lived there centuries or even thousands of years ago.

The lands that are now Israel, the Palestinian territories, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria have been home to many peoples and have been governed by different kingdoms, empires, and states. Trade, migration, religion, conquest, and cultural exchange have all helped shape the region.

In this experience, you will examine major events and developments in the history of Israel and its neighbors and consider how earlier peoples, ideas, and events continue to influence the region today.

Objectives:

Identify different peoples and empires that have ruled Israel and its neighbors and describe their impact
Describe the founding of Israel and the major Arab-Israeli conflicts since 1948

a walled city and a golden dome, in the distance

Look closely at the image.

This is a view of a historic city in the region. You do not need to know its name yet.

What evidence in the image suggests that this place has a long history?

Post your answer

After students respond, invite several students to share the evidence they noticed in the image and what they think the wall may have been built to do. Record a few ideas, but do not confirm or correct them yet.

Use the discussion to surface possible clues about the city’s history, such as defensive walls, older stone structures, religious buildings, densely built areas, and newer development in the distance. Tell students that the image shows Jerusalem and that they will return to this city as they learn how different peoples, governments, religions, and historical events shaped the region over time.

Possible follow-up questions include:

What details in the image make this place appear old?
Why might people have built a wall around a city?
What might happen to a city when different groups govern it over hundreds or thousands of years?
Which parts of a city might remain even after its rulers change?
What kinds of evidence could help us learn who lived in or governed this place in the past?
As we continue, what should you look for to determine how the past still influences places in the region today?