Learning about conflicts in Mandate Palestine often focus on the divide between Zionists and the local Arab population. In this class, however, we'll examine the relationship between the two representative Jewish organizations in Palestine at the time: the Jewish Agency and the Agudas Yisrael. As we examine the local Ultra-Orthodox response to Zionism, we will uncover internal discussions about, and tensions between, secular-religious relationships at the time.

Lauren Cohen Fisher holds a faculty appointment in Jewish Studies at Colby College, where she teaches about Israel/Palestine and serves as the Director of Jewish Student Life. Using a pedagogical framework that explores controversial issues through the eyes of their stakeholders, Lauren seeks to understand how different demographic groups in Israel/Palestine understand their relationship to power, land, and to each other. She has served as an educational consultant for national and international organizations looking to redesign their Israel/Palestine education in a way that is intellectually rigorous and pedagogically sound. A trained facilitator, mentor, and educator, Lauren has developed curricula and trained educators across North America. Lauren lives with her partner and dog in the beautiful state of Maine.