We use cookies on this website. By continuing to use this site without changing your cookie settings, you agree that you are happy to accept our privacy policy and for us to access our cookies on your device.
US – TEACHING ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN HISTORY WEB & USAGM
December 13, 2023
Content TypePackage
LanguageEnglish
Transcript/Script((PLAYBOOK SLUG: US – TEACHING ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN HISTORY
HEADLINE: Israeli-Palestinian History Course Divides California School District
TEASER: Lawsuit to block high school ethnic studies curriculum
PUBLISHED AT: 12/13/23 at 9:40AM
BYLINE: Genia Dulot
CONTRIBUTOR:
DATELINE: Santa Ana, California
VIDEOGRAPHER: Genia Dulot
VIDEO EDITOR:
ASSIGNING EDITOR: Stearns
SCRIPT EDITORS: Stearns, DLJ
VIDEO SOURCE (S):
PLATFORMS (mark with X): WEB __ TV _X_ RADIO _X_
TRT: 3:03
VID APPROVED BY: MAS
TYPE: TVR))
((INTRO:)) What should young people be taught about the Israeli-Palestinian crisis? It’s a question one California school district has struggled with, even before the war in Gaza. Genia Dulot has our story.
((NARRATION))
When a Southern California school district announced plans for an Israeli-Palestinian history course, local student Ayah Maytah thought it might help people better understand her Palestinian roots.
((Ayah Maytah, Palestinian American))
“I have to explain what Palestine is. Where is Palestine? No one knows. Kinda like the map. It makes me feel like, what is my identity if they are not showing it? If people aren’t acknowledging my identity, that’s not gonna make anyone feel good.”
((NARRATOR))
California regulations mandating ethnic studies courses for high school students say those courses must “not reflect or promote” bias, bigotry, or discrimination. With the Israeli-Palestinian course scheduled to begin here in Santa Ana in 2024, a coalition of Jewish groups has filed suit to block it, saying it includes antisemitic content.
Local Jewish American activist Josh Friedman says the proposed curriculum is one-sided.
((Josh Friedman, Jewish American))
“I don’t disagree that the Palestinian viewpoint largely is one of oppression, but there is also an Israeli viewpoint, which is one of living in a two-state situation that is not safe. There is a history of bombs being thrown into Israel. That is not discussed.”
((NARRATOR))
Friedman’s girlfriend Staci Eisman teaches middle school. She is hearing young people talking about the war in Gaza in her classroom and in her own home.
((Staci Eisman, Jewish American))
“I allowed my one son. I have no issue with him saying that he did not agree with how forcefully Israel came in. He was very strong about that opinion, but he did believe that Israel needed to protect itself. They need to protect their citizens the same as Palestine needed to protect its citizens.”
((NARRATOR))
The Greater Los Angeles Council on American Islamic Relations is urging the school district to keep the course as is. Buena Park city commissioner Mirviette Judeh says the curriculum will make Palestinian struggles better understood.
((Mirviette Judeh, Palestinian American))
“The anti-Palestinian, anti-Arab and Islamophobic rhetoric is spreading everywhere. And I acknowledge there is antisemitism too, but the difference is: I was taught about (the) Holocaust. I’ve always felt for my Jewish brothers and sisters. I read the Anne Frank diaries. For me there is none of that. My community has been suffering brutal occupation for 75 years, and there is really isn’t a true recognition of that.”
((NARRATOR))
The Santa Ana school district declined VOA’s request for comment on the lawsuit.
The district said in an earlier statement that it has no political position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict but understands that people have strong opinions on the issue. It said it encourages “open and respectful dialogue” as part of a well-rounded education.
((Genia Dulot, VOA News, Santa Ana, California))
NewsML Media TopicsArts, Culture, Entertainment and Media
NetworkVOA
Embargo DateDecember 13, 2023 10:15 EST
BylineGenia Dulot
Brand / Language ServiceVoice of America - English, US Agency for Global Media
