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Photo: Gali Tivon
The other trend: Palestinian nationalism
Photo: Gali Tivon

Ibrahim becomes Avraham

Hundreds of Israeli Arabs adopt Hebrew names in bid to find work

About 800 Israeli Arab youngsters have changed their names to more Hebrew-sounding names in order to find jobs, Yedioth Ahronoth reported Sunday.

 

According to the newspaper, government officials said many young Arabs are adopting modern Hebrew names that are not traditionally Jewish.

 

Recently published reports also show that Israeli Arabs have a hard time finding jobs due to their Arabic-sounding names. Some believe that a more "sabra"-sounding name will ease their way into the job market.  

 

Two trends in Israeli Arab community

 

"The gap in the Israeli Arab community between those seeking to assimilate into Israeli society and those wishing to detach themselves from it, is definately growing," Dr. As'ad Ghanem, chairman of the Government and Political Theory Department at Haifa University, said.

 

"There is an acute schism between those who regard themselves as members of a separate national entity that cannot and must not assimilate into Israeli society, and those who accept the Jewish hegemony and attempt to be totally absorbed within it," he said.

 

Dr. Ghanem views this trend as a result of the lack of leadership in Israeli Arab society.

 

"Many youngsters feel they cannot relay on their Arab leadership and are willing to completely relinquish their Arab identity for a better future," he said. "These youngsters believe that by assuming a Hebrew name, they will be better integrated into Israel society and ensure a better future for themselves." 

 


פרסום ראשון: 05.22.05, 15:45
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