Students fling their hands in the air, eager to answer a question or offer their point of view during an impassioned class discussion. Religion, history, politics --- when those topics are mixed together in one class, ninth grade students at Ramona Convent Secondary School in Alhambra are quick to participate.

Which is exactly what their teacher wants.

"I hope students will be more concerned, plugged in and aware of the world around them," said global studies teacher Mike Sifter, who taught the lively five-hour course on modern-day Israel this past spring. "I hope they'll be more discerning when they read the news."

The Holy Land Democracy Project teaches Catholic high school students about Israel's commitment to democracy and the democratic political process. The program is a partnership between the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, the Jewish Community Foundation and The Jewish Federation. It was piloted at five schools last year and will be doubled to ten schools for the 2004-2005 school year.

Last spring seven Catholic school teachers, including Sifter, visited Israel and taught follow-up courses to their students. In addition to Ramona Convent the schools involved included Bishop Montgomery High School in Torrance, Pomona Catholic High School in Pomona, St. Joseph High School in Lakewood and St. Matthias High School in Downey.

Students learn about the dispersion of Jews throughout the world following centuries of persecution and their desire to return to Israel and build a homeland. They learn that Israel is about the size of Los Angeles and Riverside Counties, while the 21 Middle Eastern countries surrounding it equal the size of the United States.

They also learn that Israel is the most democratic country in the Middle East with a president, prime minister and the Knesset Israeli parliament, and specific rights guaranteed to its people such as the right to free expression, to vote, to own property, and to have a trial if charged with a crime. More than 25 political parties participate in the democratic process, including several Arab parties.

Students also watch a video in which Israeli teenagers talk about different aspects of their lives.

"Israeli teenagers are just like us," noted Ramona Convent student Lilia Cott. "They go to the movies, the mall, the beach and shopping. They dress like us too. I feel connected to them."

At the same time, some students expressed concern that the pilot course promotes Israel in a biased way. Indeed, students have lots to say about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, terrorism, the wall that is being built around Israel, and U.S. military support.

"We need to hear both sides of the story," said student Isabel Duron of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

"Not all Palestinians are bad and not all Jews are bad," observed Adriana Sekiguchi.

Added Lauren del Rio: "There are a lot of problems and no real solution. We cope the best we can."

"[The Israelis and Palestinians] need to share the wealth. Everyone is connected," said Vanessa Audrey.

Elaine Albert, director of The Holy Land Democracy Project, said the lesson plans aim to steer clear of a conflict that has plenty of news coverage and to spotlight the many other aspects that make the country Israel.

"It's like writing about U.S. and only writing about 9/11 and terrorism. Well, there's a lot more to the U.S. than 9/11 and terrorism," said Albert.

Most of the students said they are aware of Mid-East issues through television or radio, about half through the newspapers. Half also said they discuss the issues outside of class in the school cafeteria and about a third said they talk with their families.

Sifter said the class is an educational success if students learn tolerance and respect for people of other cultures and faith traditions, and if they become active citizens themselves. Addressing the students, he said, "We want your education to become action."