Law and Government

"You and I can change the world.”  This Jewish belief has been actualized in the large number of Jews who go into the fields of law and government.  Israel is a dynamic country where the political situation in constantly in flux.  Law, particularly international law, plays a large role in guiding the course of the country.  This program is an add-on to the Core Aardvark program filled with enrichment activities, learning, traveling, and opportunities to meet key figures in the field.  Aardvark Israel offers an intensive educational and practical program that is designed to introduce students to the fields of law and government as well as provide some hands-on experience. The Law & Government program offers an excellent opportunity to develop a thorough understanding of the way that law and regulation shape and influence the world.

When?
Fall semester in Jerusalem, September to January

Who?
Anyone who is interested in law and government

Special Events/Tours
•    Visit the Supreme Court and hear a case tried
•    Behind the scenes visit to the Jerusalem Municipality
•    Meet foreign ambassadors/attachés from several embassies and consulates in Israel
•    Behind the scenes visit to the Knesset including meeting Knesset members
•    Workshops with organizations reflecting a wide spectrum of opinions – from Betselem and Israel/Palestine Center for Research and Information to the Menachem Begin Heritage Center and Yesha Council
•    See up close the separation fence along the border between Israel and the West Bank and discuss its implications
•    Seminar near Eilat at Kibbutz Keturah's Arava Institute for Environmental Studies focusing on environmental law and politics
•    Coffee Talk - Meet for coffee with representatives of a wide spectrum of organizations such as Shatiel (non-profit law), ACRI (human rights and Sudanese refugees), Open House (gay rights), Temple Mount activists, Ir David Foundation (rebuilding the biblical city of David in the Old City), IRAC (Israel Religious Action Center), and more

Studies
•    Introduction to Political Science 101 - This academic course will provide an overview of the field of political science, with Israel as the focus. The course introduces students to major concepts in political science; how political scientists study politics, including the role of values and beliefs; sub-fields of political science; and writing in political science. By studying this topic, students will gain an understanding of the Israeli political system, the Israeli political parties and how they have influenced the State of Israel since its establishment.
•    Today in Israel - Lecture series in Israeli current events topics
•    Debating workshops

Special Volunteer opportunities
•    Volunteer with a lobby group or NGO in Jerusalem
•    Megama Yeruka - this is an student activist environmental movement.  Volunteer side by side with Israeli students organizing demonstrations, lobbying the k'nesset, producing English materials, and more

Sample Weekly Schedule