Etgar, the educational organisation which runs an annual Jewish knowledge quiz for Jewish primary schools, has launched a fresh initiative: an Israel debating programme for sixthformers.

The inaugural programme has just finished, with a second series in the pipeline for next term.

Etgar co-founder Adam Taub explained, “Debating is a brilliant way for young Jewish students to increase their knowledge of Israel, strengthen their identity and prepare them for the hostile environment they are likely to encounter at university.”

The organisation already stages an annual Israel knowledge quiz for young secondary school pupils on Yom Ha’atzmaut.

A group of 20 students aged 17 to 18 joined the first debating programme over four weeks, arguing over whether “Israel needs the diaspora” or whether the “two-state solution is dead” among other topics.

Ahead of each weekly session, the students received a resource pack. Before the debate, they explored the topic from multiple perspectives in a discussion led by Israel educator Robin Moss. Only a few minutes before the debate did they find out which side they would represent.

Two professional debate coaches taught the group the fundamentals of debating — how to build a coherent argument, how to craft rebuttals and points of information and how to use stories to greatest effect. Interactive games and coaching exercises ensured that the participants had a great deal of fun learning to master techniques.

Hear this... learning to debate with Etgar

“Debating can be quite intimidating,” Taub commented, “so we make sure that the participants gain confidence over the four weeks and are never put in a situation for which they are not prepared.”

One participant said after the completion of the course, “My confidence is definitely up when I speak publicly and I have a greater understanding of how to structure a debate and what to say.”

If a second cohort can be recruited, Etgar plans to host a National Israel Debating Competition.

Meanwhile as its programmes expand at home, it is also increasing its influence overseas. France has become the latest country to adopt Etgar’s Jewish knowledge quiz — with support from UnitEd, the educational agency backed by Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs. The Etgar Handbook has been translated into French and local teachers will be introduced to the scheme by Rochel Levine, head of Jewish learning at Immanuel College in Bushey.