Israel/Palestine 101
Frank works closely with organizational, administrative and student leaders to craft high-impact presentations and workshops on Southwest Asia (the Middle East) and North Africa.
Frank has most recently offered variations of an interactive presentation, “Israel/Palestine 101,” a program designed to educate beginning learners about the modern complexity of this land. His starting assumptions are that (a) both Israelis and Palestinians are culturally-rich, authentic national communities that hold legitimate claims to the land, (b) the conflict between them is modern and solvable, and (c) grand theories about the conflict are often not what they seem. Frank speaks not as pro-Israeli or pro-Palestinian, but as “pro-solution.”
Frank’s focuses on the Israelis and Palestinians themselves. He infuses historical “snapshots” with moments of poetry and conversation. Frank recommends how best to support those directly affected by the Hamas attack and current war, and he introduces on-the-ground activists in Israel and Palestine who are developing the path to a shared, peaceful, and prosperous future. He also offers resources that community members can use immediately to extend their learning.
School Engagements, December 2023 to Present
- Dana Hall School, Wellesley, MA
- Phillips Academy Andover, Andover, MA
- Lick-Wilmerding High School, San Francisco, CA
- Choate Rosemary Hall, Wallingford, CT
- The Taft School, Watertown, CT
- Phillips Exeter Academy, Exeter, NH
Group Work
Frank offers zoom and in-person evening sessions with organizations to help them support, educate, and engage with the events and peoples of Southwest Asia and North Africa.
Consulting
Frank consults with educators about initiatives pertaining to Southwest Asia (the Middle East) and North Africa in their schools.
We learned so much, and people reported it was one of the best department days we have had!
History Chair, the Taft School
21st Century School Journey 