Israeli Academics Discuss Educating Future Generations About October 7th

As the third anniversary of the October 7th massacre approaches, Israeli educators and thinkers are grappling with how to teach this traumatic event to students, especially those born after it occurred. Three prominent academics, a professor of Jewish philosophy, a professor of education, and a poet, offer their perspectives on shaping a lasting memory and educational approach.

Professor Hanoch Ben-Pazi of Bar-Ilan University emphasizes the long-term task of "rebuilding the home," a concept he sees as fundamentally shaken by the events of October 7th. He argues that the massacre represents an encounter with "absolute evil," which is difficult to confront directly, leading to societal denial or minimization. Ben-Pazi suggests that a historical perspective, similar to how events like the Yom Kippur War or the Holocaust are viewed, will be necessary for deeper understanding as the immediate pain subsides. He also highlights the positive aspects, such as the spontaneous volunteerism seen in the aftermath, and stresses the importance of teaching critical thinking and the ability to listen to diverse viewpoints, even those from extreme political fringes.

Professor Yoram Harpaz from Beit Berl College and Al-Quds University points out the deep political divisions in Israel, where agreement on facts and interpretations of events, beyond Hamas's attack, is scarce. He notes that different political factions view October 7th through the lens of their core values: the right sees it as proof of the need for a strong state and military, while the left views it as evidence of the urgent need for peace with the Palestinians. Harpaz cautions against relying solely on grief and personal stories to connect future students to the event, citing the example of Yitzhak Rabin's Memorial Day, which has lost its original meaning. He proposes that the core message should be that an occupying power is detrimental to both the occupied and the occupier, corrupting society and leadership.

Poet and researcher Tehila Frosh believes education should equip students with the ability to consider multiple perspectives and understand that the world is not simply divided into victims and perpetrators. She criticizes attempts to frame the war as a "War of Uprising" to emphasize heroism while downplaying government failure. Frosh asserts that the personal is political, and any narrative of October 7th must acknowledge its broader context, including the conflict with Palestinians and socio-economic issues like the neglect of the Gaza border region. She also points to the complicity of the Israeli government in the events and the crucial role of collective action in areas where the government failed, such as the fight for hostage release. Frosh recommends that students read essays and literary works that explore the suffering and societal impact of war.