Four Sons in College


 

Publication Date: January 2003

Publisher: Coalition for the Advancement of Jewish Education

Author(s): Meira Maierovitz Drazin

Research Area: Education

Keywords: Higher Education; Youth Engagement; Israeli-Palestinian Conflict; Israel advocacy

Type: Report

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

The author uses the paradigm of the allegorical four sons mentioned in the Passover Seder to discuss four common archetypes of American Jewish college students reacting to the virulent hostility towards Israel common on college campuses. The "wise son" is committed to Israel and needs only the tools to become an activist. The "wicked son" takes active part in the anti-Israel hostility, and cannot realistically be persuaded; still, he must be answered for the sake of the others. The "simple son" is unsure of what to think, and the "son who doesn't ask" perhaps doesn't care yet. Both of these must be provided with copious information on the history of the conflict.

In Jewish Education News, Winter 2003.