Introduction
Ramadan Overview and Cultural Traditions
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, observed by fasting from dawn to sunset which begun on March 11 and will go until April 9th (NPR, 2024).
During this time followers of Islam value their ability to get closer to Allah through fasting.
Please watch the video describing why Ramadan is important to those who celebrate it.
https://youtu.be/_uaRZUuzaKY?feature=shared
Task
Israel - Gaza Strip
Israel is located in the Middle East and has many strong ties to multiple religions that are practiced around the world. Israel is made up of a majority Jewish population, followed by Muslims (NPR, 2024). As a result of multiple religious ties in this area, Israel is not new to war between different groups on its land. For example, there has been ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine due to religious differences and wanting territory (Reuters, 2023).
Before going deeper into this topic, I want each of you to go into google earth and take a virtual field trip of Israel and its common war zones. To do this click the link, search Israel, zoom into different areas, and press the person to see in 3D.
Islamic Culture Current Events in 2024
This year Israel tragically is at war with Hamas, which is a terrorist group that has been around for over a decade (USA Today, 2018). In Israel 18% of the people who live in this country practice Islam and are called Muslim (NPR, 2024). Throughout this war there have been many casualties from all sides of the war. As of March 5th, 31,000 people have lost their lives so far in this war (United Nations, 2024).
This war has many who follow these traditions and religions feeling that they are struggling being able to truly celebrate due to all of the tragic events that have taken place (NPR, 2024). Many that have been affected by this war are already struggling to find food for themselves and their families. Many have even done nonintentional fasting just so that their children and others can have something to eat (NPR, 2024). Since fasting is such a large tradition when celebrating Ramadan, many are struggling to find it as a way to get closer to God as a result of the struggling of many (NPR, 2024).
Process
Empathy
After briefly learning about Ramadan and some of the challenges Muslims around the world will face it is now your job to put yourself in the shoes of these people suffering from the effects of war. After clicking the link below, we are going to brainstorm as a class all of the different emotions we would have if we were in this situation.
https://jamboard.google.com/d/19MowdxHTwJ9gHnC1mEH9yEbwClvwp2_v_PDmCzvvo8w/edit?usp=sharing
Now on the next link we are going to list all of the similarities and differences between the lives of those we recently learned about that are dealing with this war and our own lives.
https://jamboard.google.com/d/19MowdxHTwJ9gHnC1mEH9yEbwClvwp2_v_PDmCzvvo8w/edit?usp=sharing
By listing these similarities and differences are you able to find reasons why you are lucky to be at school today or to have food while at school and why? Please respond your answer using the sticky note feature on the class Jamboard link.
https://jamboard.google.com/d/19MowdxHTwJ9gHnC1mEH9yEbwClvwp2_v_PDmCzvvo8w/edit?usp=sharing
Evaluation
Cultural Awareness Infographic on Ramadan 2024
Now that you have been given the opportunity to learn more about other religions, countries, and crises around the world it is your job to now spread awareness.
Assessment - Infographic
1. Go to Canva.com https://www.canva.com/
2. Click infographic and begin spreading awareness on Ramadan and the current events influencing it.
3. Use https://www.cbc.ca/kidsnews/post/israel-has-declared-war-on-hamas-heres-why for further reading. Do not use outside research.
Conclusion
What can we do to stay informed and be culturally responsive citizens?
- We can learn about our own biases, practice religious tolerance and discover more knowledge of diverse beliefs is crucial in today's society.
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To better understand the cultural significance of Ramadan and support those around us we can take the time to learn traditional practices - for example Iftar meals, partake in community service activities and be kind people around us regardless of our differences.
Credits
NPR. (2024). Muslims prepare for a more somber Ramadan due to the Israel-Hamas war. NPR. https://www.npr.org/2024/03/10/1236630201/muslims-prepare-for-a-more-so…;
Reuters. (2023). What’s the Israel-Palestinian conflict about? The origin of wars explained. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-palestinian-dispute-hi…
United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs - occupied Palestinian territory | Hostilities in the Gaza Strip and Israel - reported impact | Day 146. (2024, March 1). United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs - Occupied Palestinian Territory. https://www.ochaopt.org/content/hostilities-gaza-strip-and-israel-repor…
USA TODAY. (2018). USA TODAY: Latest World and US News - USATODAY.com. USA TODAY. https://www.usatoday.com/