What's Love Got to Do With It: Reevaluating Attachment as the Goal of Israel Education

Abstract

ABSTRACT Everyone seems to agree that Israel education is complex. But all too often, the concept of “complexity” becomes a euphemism for the existence of unpleasant truths about Israel that challenge students' preconceived notions. I propose that instead of focusing on cutlivating attachemnt to Israel, Israel educators should offer students an account of Israeli history grounded in careful historical research while preserving a vision of the Jewish future that remains compatible with national pride. Drawing on the work of Richard Rorty, Maxime Rondinson and James Baldwin, I suggest a new perspective on some of the tensions in israel education. National pride can be maintained by presenting a narrative that honestly acknowledges a nation's past, but inspires students to strive for a better future.