Overcoming the language barrier
Menashe Regional Council, Abraham Fund Initiatives join forces in unique language training for council workers, teaching them Arabic, Arab culture, customs. 'Learning the language leads to changes in perception,' says AFI
The Menashe Regional Council has launched a unique language program, in which council workers who live or work in mixed Jewish-Arab communities can learn to speak Arabic.
The program was initiated by the Abraham Fund Initiatives – a non-profit organization based in Jerusalem and New York. Should it prove successful, the Abraham Fund intends to launch similar programs in other municipalities.
"Languages are like souls – if you understand the language, you can understand the one standing before you much better," said Menashe Regional Council secretary Moshe Ozen.
According to Ozen, the council is home to some 3,000 Arab residents, who often encounter the language barrier, "especially if the Arab-speaking social worker isn't around."
So far, 25 of the council's workers have signed up for the program, which features – atop of language studies – classes in Arab culture and customs.
"Understanding the person next to you often entails more than just speaking the language… you have to understand that the person isn't a Sabra (native-born Israeli) and he has different behavioral codes," added Ozen.
The Abraham Fund has been studying the needs of mixed communities in Israel for the past several years. "Israel has five major mixed communities (Ramla, Lod, Haifa, Akko and Jaffa), but in reality, more and more communities are becoming so," said Amnon Be'eri-Sulitzeanu, the fund's Israeli branch's Executive Director.
Many regional council have Arab towns and villages under their jurisdiction, he added, citing the Menashe, Gilboa, Misgav and Negev regional council as examples.
"The Arab residents of Israel are supposed to know Hebrew, right? So why bother learning Arabic?" he asks, and immediately answers: "Because learning the language leads to a change in perception and stance. Besides, not all Israeli Arabs speak Hebrew – the elderly and very young often have difficulties with it."
The Abraham Fund has already been approached by other municipalities, as well as municipal workers outside regional councils, who whish to join its language program.
"You can't live near Wadi Ara and not know how to speak Arabic," said Ozen. "You might as well be missing a limb."
