This activity invites students to examine the power of language by analyzing anti-Israel protest slogans used on campus. Working in groups and acting as university committees, they’ll evaluate whether specific slogans cross the line into antisemitism and should violate university codes of conduct. Through discussion and debate, students will reflect on where the line between free speech and hate should be drawn.
Goals:
- Affective – Students proudly identify as Zionists despite accusations made against Israel, while at the same time acknowledging the complexity inherent in the conflict.
- Behavioral – Students are able to unpack common slogans chanted at pro-Palestinian demonstrations.
- Cognitive – Students understand how certain pro-Palestinian slogans can be harmful to the Jewish people.
Essential Questions
- What are the historical and current meanings behind pro-Palestinian slogans?
- Are these slogans antisemitic?
- How can Israelis and Palestinians move towards mutual understanding and coexistence?
Big Ideas
- These slogans can represent different meanings depending on the perspective.
- Many who use these slogans are unaware of the slogan’s implications.
- A drawback of slogans is that they condense complex views into soundbites.
