16-18 YEAR OLDS
Politics

Understanding the influence of Jewish Americans in political leadership and advocacy.

Complete & Continue Next Lesson Learn More

Instructions

  • Research Assignment: Assign students to research prominent Jewish American political figures (e.g., Senator Chuck Schumer, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, or Henry Kissinger). Students will create a presentation detailing their career, political impact, and how their Jewish heritage informed their work.

  • Group Discussion: Discuss how Jewish American political figures have shaped policies related to civil rights, social justice, and the Jewish community.

Materials

Computer/Tablet

    • Ruth Bader Ginsburg
      U.S. Supreme Court Justice, appointed in 1993, known for her work in advancing civil liberties and gender equality.

    • Bernie Sanders
      U.S. Senator from Vermont since 2007, a prominent progressive voice advocating for social justice, healthcare reform, and economic equality.

    • Chuck Schumer
      U.S. Senator from New York since 1999 and current Senate Majority Leader, influential in American political leadership.

    • Dianne Feinstein
      U.S. Senator from California from 1992 until her death in 2023, known for her work on gun control, national security, and women's rights.

    • Henry Kissinger
      U.S. Secretary of State (1973–1977) and National Security Advisor, played a key role in shaping American foreign policy during the 1970s.

    • Bella Abzug
      U.S. Congresswoman (1971–1977), known for her advocacy on women's rights, civil rights, and social justice.

    • Samuel J. Tilden
      Governor of New York and a presidential candidate in 1876, known for his role in the contested presidential election.

    • Rahm Emanuel
      U.S. Congressman (2003–2009) and Mayor of Chicago (2011–2019), former White House Chief of Staff under President Obama.

    • Joseph Lieberman
      U.S. Senator from Connecticut (1989–2013), the first Jewish American to run for Vice President as a major party nominee in 2000.

    • Jared Kushner
      Senior Advisor to President Donald Trump, known for his role in the administration's Middle East peace efforts and business dealings.

    • Paul Wellstone
      U.S. Senator from Minnesota (1991–2002), known for his progressive values, commitment to social justice, and advocacy for healthcare reform.

    • Alan Dershowitz
      Prominent lawyer and legal scholar who served as a professor at Harvard Law School and has been involved in numerous high-profile cases.

    • Debbie Wasserman Schultz
      U.S. Congresswoman from Florida since 2005, known for her advocacy on issues such as healthcare, women's rights, and environmental protection.

    • Adam Schiff
      U.S. Congressman from California, known for his leadership in impeachment proceedings against President Trump and his work on national security issues.

    • Michael Bloomberg
      Mayor of New York City (2002–2013) and billionaire businessman, ran for president in 2020 as a Democratic candidate.

Download PDF

  • Add a short summary or a list of helpful resources here.