Teach Palestine Week (NYC Educators for Palestine)

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This week, we encourage teachers to take time out of the school day to discuss what is happening in Palestine. Dedicating this week to teaching about Palestinian history and culture is intentional. May 15th marks the commemoration of the Nakba, and while it is imperative in the context of a genocide that we dedicate time during our school day to discuss the events of the Nakba, it is crucial that we do not begin conversations about Palestinian history from a place of conflict. Doing so reinforces stereotypes of the Middle East as a region plagued by conflict. Instead, this guide begins from a place of acknowledging the rich intellectual, literary, artistic and political culture of Palestine. We understand that educators are faced with very different contexts. Some of us have the academic freedom to explicitly teach about the ongoing genocide, and the history of occupation; but many of us are in a position to be reprimanded or fired should we do so. The following guide does not assume you have actively been teaching about Palestinian history or culture throughout the year. Rather, we have designed a series of activities (not full lessons) that can be integrated into more autonomous moments of the school day (such an “advisory” or “elective” period). The intention is to find ways to integrate teaching of Palestinian history and culture in some form this week. You can also find full lessons for all disciplines and grade levels HERE.
Finally, we understand teaching truth can be frightening. When we get scared, we remember the Lerone Bennett quote, “an educator in a system of oppression is either a revolutionary or an oppressor.” We teach in oppressive contexts; therefore, it is our obligation to make choices every day which rebuke systematic repression and dehumanization. Failing to do so only perpetuates the societal apathy and ignorance which allows the arbiters of settler-colonial imperialism to continue their bidding. Take time this week to uplift the beautiful culture and history of a people who have remained steadfast in their fight for dignity and survival. Be brave. Teach Palestine.