Lectures

    The Jewish world is filled with experts on Israel who can visit your community to deliver their standard prepared remarks. I always come prepared, but there is nothing standard about my presentations. My deep understanding of the Israel-Diaspora relationship from both sides of the ocean ensures that my remarks hit home with groups of all ages, perspectives and denominations.

    College students process information differently than empty-nesters, and a youth group meeting demands a different approach than a Shabbat lecture during services. approach I tailor each presentation to the needs and interests of your group or organization. If your people want to gain insights into the latest political, diplomatic or security developments, they'll get them. If they seek to understand the Modern Zionist movement and how it impacts present-day Israel, that's what they'll get. If they want to simulate Israeli elections or peace negotations, they'll be divided into small groups for an action-filled, realistic simulation activity.

    It takes much more than a few minutes in front of a computer or a glance at the daily papers to understand Israel, and a single lecture won't put everything in perspective, either. I seek to help create a framework for processing information as events continue to unfold, and I will work with you to make sure we succeed. We can achieve a lot in as little as half an hour, and we can achieve even more in a series of lectures or a weekend Shabbaton filled with discussions and workshops.

    The topics that I address include:

    • How We Reached the Status Quo:  This seminar provides a brief, highly focused overview of the past 100 years of events that helped shape the current reality faced by Israel. It explores the birth of Modern Zionism, Israel’s search for peace, relations between the Arab Middle East and Israel, and more – all in the context of helping participants understand history’s impact on present-day events. This is an ideal session for passionate pro-Israel students who lack critical knowledge of Israel’s history.
    • Media Bias: What’s the True Story?:  This session examines the newsgathering process and the often flawed reports that make it to your local paper, radio station and TV screen. It features expert tips on how you can be a smart consumer of Mideast reporting, and what you can do to help set the record straight.
    • Behind the Scenes: An Insider’s View of Israel:  There’s much more to Israel than the images we see on TV. By offering a glimpse into the political system, leadership and daily life, this program provides a better understanding of how Israelis cope with the challenges of the current situation.
    • Prospects for Peace:  Despite the wounds they have suffered, the overwhelming majority of Israelis remain committed to making painful concessions in pursuit of peace. This update examines positions embraced by Israel, the Palestinians, the U.S. Administration and other interested parties, and examines the likely parameters of a future settlement.
    • American Jews and Israel: Who Cares -- and Why?:  As Israel faces some of its greatest challenges since gaining independence in 1948, many American Jews have rallied to show their support. What can American Jews offer Israel today, and what can we learn from the Jewish State? This session features profiles of grass-roots pro-Israel efforts that have helped shape public opinion on college campuses and in communities across the country.
    • Stand Up For Israel:  We explore profiles of American Jews who seek to improve Israel’s image in the eyes of the American public. What can you learn from their successes, and how can you help Israel in your own community?
    • Israel on Campus: Fear, Loathing and Empowerment:  Despite the gloom-and-doom headlines, pro-Israel students are gaining ground on college campuses across the country. With stories from the frontlines at Berkeley, Columbia and other schools, this session offers an inspiring lesson in what educated, determined Jewish students can do to take back the campus from anti-Israel forces.

     For more information, or to plan your program, contact me at Carl@CarlSchrag.com