Fasting during tests: Ramadan falls during matriculation exams
Muslim high-school students are frustrated that many of the important exams fall during the month when devout Muslims refrain from eating and drinking during daylight hours; the only concession is an additional 15 minutes per hour of test time.
Israel’s matriculation exams, the culmination of 12 years of education, are set to begin on May 4 and last until July 13. The country’s Muslim pupils are even more stressed than their Jewish peers, however, because this year, the month-long fast of Ramadan falls during the exam period.
“The Ramadan fast lasts for about a month, beginning at dawn and ending at sunset,” explained Dr. Yehuda Balanga of the Department of Middle Eastern Studies at Bar-Ilan University. “At that point, a fast-breaking meal is held—the Iftar—with it also being customary to eat before dawn.”
“A fasting student has a hard time writing and reading and low concentration,” said Sahar Shawish, who is studying chemistry and biology. “They have to facilitate as much as they can for us.”
Halil Zidan, who is studying biology and biotechnology, agrees. “It’s hard—from 7 at night until 4 am, I eat and study,” he said.
The Ministry of Education notes that the exam dates are set in coordination with the Department of Arab Education. To facilitate the students, an additional 15 minutes per exam hour is allotted.
This offers little comfort to pupils who feel they were unable to realize their full potential. “Last year, because of the fast, I received less good grades than I deserved because I couldn’t prepare properly,” said Muhammad Masri, who is studying chemistry and physics. He’ll also have to take the physics exam during Ramadan. “They could have showed us consideration.”
Muhammad Salem, who is studying chemistry and physics, doesn’t observe the fast in its entirety, but he supports the calls of his friends. “I already have learning disabilities, so adding on a fast? It’s impossible,” he said.
(Translated and edited by J. Herzog)
