GAZA: Hamas-run schools in the Gaza Strip introduce Hebrew classes for teenagers as an optional course

Record ID: 412436

  • Title: GAZA: Hamas-run schools in the Gaza Strip introduce Hebrew classes for teenagers as an optional course
  • Date: 29th January 2013
  • Summary: GAZA CITY, GAZA (JANUARY 28, 2013) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF STUDENTS STANDING IN LINE IN SCHOOL YARD STUDENTS CLAPPING SIGN READING IN ARABIC 'SULIMAN SULTAN SCHOOL FOR BOYS' SIGN READING IN ARABIC 'HEADMASTER'S OFFICE' SCHOOL HEADMASTER WAFA MUKAT IN HIS OFFICE SIGN READING IN ARABIC 'HEADMASTER, WAFA ABED MUKAT' (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) WAFA MUKAT, SCHOOL HEADMASTER, SAYING: "
  • Embargoed: 13th February 2013 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Gaza
  • City:
  • Country: Palestinian Territories
  • Topics: Education
  • Reuters ID: LVAE1WFL6GCE8QK90X6YL3KZJDOR
  • Story Text: The Hamas government in Gaza has launched plans to expand a pilot programme teaching modern Hebrew in Palestinian schools, citing what it sees as rising demand to learn the 'language of the enemy'.
    In the past, large numbers of the 1.5 million Palestinians living in the coastal territory knew the Israeli language, either because they worked in the Jewish state or were imprisoned there.
    But with Gaza largely isolated from Israel for years, and Israel shutting the doors to Palestinian labourers accusing them of involvement in violence, younger Gazans are not familiar with the Israeli tongue.
    School head Wafa Mukat, whose students are taking part in the pilot project, said the initiative would help the youngsters be better informed about events in Israel.

    "Of course the aim of this idea is that when the student is at home and turns on Israeli TV channels, Channel 10 or Channel 2, he will be aware of what is happening on the Israeli side, what events and developments are taking place," he said.
    While Hamas wants students to be able to make use of the language in times of conflict, Mukat said learning Hebrew would also have practical benefits.

    "The daily contact with the Israeli side obliges us to teach the Hebrew language. Arabic has also been taught in Israeli schools and universities," said Mukat.
    About 750 students are currently studying Hebrew at schools across the Gaza Strip, Palestinian officials said. Many had chosen the language over French or other subjects.
    Fourteen-year-old student, Mohammed Seyam, said knowing Hebrew was a way of keeping up with Israel's moves.

    "As agreed with most of the students, we chose to learn Hebrew because we felt it was an interesting language and also when you learn your enemy's language, you will know how to avoid their evil," he said.
    Some students said they were putting their Hebrew to good use, using it to read directions on Israeli-made products sold in Gaza, or following Israeli news reports on radio, television and the Internet.

    "My message to every student who wants to learn Hebrew is that it is an interesting language and it should be studied. And I ask the ministry (of education) to teach it from the elementary level right through to high school," said student Karim Herzallah.
    Teacher Khaled al-Baba said he was no stranger to Hebrew lessons. He used to teach the language in the 1980s and 1990s, and said he was delighted it had now become a popular subject.

    "I taught the Hebrew language from 1988 until the Palestinian Authority came and stopped the teaching of Hebrew in 1996. Now, we are thankful to whoever supports and encourages the idea of teaching Hebrew in our schools in the Gaza Strip," he said.
    While the Hamas government is keen for Gazans to learn Israel's language, the West Bank education authorities said they had no plans to introduce Hebrew into local schools.
    Fatah's deputy minister of education, Mahmoud Abu Zaid, said the teaching of Hebrew was not part of the Palestinian national curriculum.
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