Don't Know Much About
A New Show for the Curious and Courageous
Dear Fellow Seekers of Truth and Courage!
Welcome to the Principled Pedagogue. My name is Dr. Naya Lekht. I am a scholar, a writer, and a teacher. In addition to offering curriculum, lesson plans, and my thoughts on our world, I have started a new initiative: DON’T KNOW MUCH ABOUT, a show devoted to some of the most talked-about issues that are often misunderstood. Step into my classroom and, in just under 20 minutes, learn new things!
I am using this space to take all the questions that I have gotten about one spicy topic: the Arab-Israeli conflict and the history of antisemitism. I am completely aware that information is not at a deficit—it’s just a click away. But I want to use my time with you all here to dive into some complex issues in order to clarify things and make the complex accessible.
On this first episode of “Don’t Know Much About,” I unpack “The Nakba,” a narrative used today to delegitimize and demonize Israel. As you watch and/or listen to the episode, keep in mind the guiding following questions:
How and when was the term “Nakba” first used? Why is this significant to understanding how the Nakba is used today?
Why did the Arab leaders encourage local Arabs to leave their homes during the first Arab-Israeli War of 1948?
Why did Israel find itself at war just one day after declaring independence?
What do the borders of Egypt and Jordan after the war reveal about the intentions behind starting a war with Israel?
Who was ethnically cleansed from Arab lands in 1948?
Why is the Nakba narrative not doing the Palestinian Arab people any service? How is it preventing the people from attaining self-determination and dignity?
Remember, it all begins with a question. Let’s continue to ask questions and pursue the truth. Stay tuned for future episodes. If you want me to cover a topic in a future episode, comment below.
Looking forward to following this series!