Likud MK Oren Hazan files his first bill since becoming a lawmaker: Implementing the teaching of Arabic in all state-subsidized education institutions beginning in the first grade.
In his preview to the bill, Hazan writes “this bill is intended to strengthen knowledge of the Arabic language in the education system and to enforce the duty to learn both languages [Hebrew and Arabic] on all strata of society.
“Just as it is inconceivable that an Arab citizen who completed 12 years of education in a state-recognized school will not speak Hebrew, so it is impossible to continue in a situation where a Jewish citizen who concludes 12 years of study in an official institution will not speak Arabic,” Hazan writes.
Arabic is an official language in Israel and appears on road signs, in public institutions and in government ministries.
“Since language equals culture, teaching the mother tongues of Israelis should be the first priority, because this is what allows the pupil and then the citizens to understand their fellow men […] Knowing and understanding the language gives a sense of security. Improving the ability for communication among people can be a bridge between people,” Hazan writes.
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