Law and Government

"You and I can change the world.” This core Jewish belief is practiced daily by the many Jews who occupy leading roles in the fields of law and government. Israel is a dynamic country; her political situation is constantly changing. Law, particularly international law, is influential in shaping the nation’s direction. Aardvark’s Law and Government program is an add-on to the Core Aardvark program. This exciting track is filled with enriching activities: learning, traveling, and opportunities to meet leading Israeli personalities in the fields of Law and Government. Participating students will reach a better understanding of the way that law and government shape and influence both Israel and rest of the world. Additionally, students will explore the intricate question of how Israel can be both a Jewish and democratic state.

When?
Fall semester in Jerusalem, September to January

Who?
Anyone who is interested in law and government

Tours, Lectures, and Workshops

• Visit to the Supreme Court of Israel
• Meeting members of different political parties in the Knesset
• Ongoing current events seminar with the Chief Political Correspondent and Analyst for the Jerusalem Post, Gil Hoffman
• "Security, Army, and Diaspora Relations" with former Bureau Chief for Avi Dichter, the former Minister of Internal Security
• Tours of East Jerusalem, West Bank settlements and disputed territories just over the Green Line – see up close the security fence discuss its implications
• Meet with former IDF spokesman, David Baruch, about "purity of arms" and the IDF, as well as the connection between the military and the media.
• Meet with former residents of the evacuated Gush Katif
• A tour of Sderot
• Seminars on Palestinian Recognition and the move towards Statehood
• Meet with activists from the ongoing social protests
• Visit to Open House, a Jerusalem grassroots activists organization for Jerusalem's LGBT community
• Workshop on Anti-Semitism and Campus Activism with The American Defamation League (ADL)
• Seminars with organizations reflecting a wide spectrum of opinions: Association of Civil Rights in Israel (human rights), Ir Amim (Jerusalem as the City of Nations), Ir David Foundation (rebuilding the biblical city of David in the Old City), Temple Mount Activists, and more…

Relevant Studies Offered by Aardvark Israel

• · Contemporary Israeli Politics
• · The Power of Persuasion – The David Project

Relevant Volunteer Placements offered by Aardvark Israel

• · Volunteer with a lobby group or NGO in Jerusalem

Sample Weekly Schedule