Example lesson. Please visit http://hebrewpodcasts.com for more lessons. In this lesson we’ll speak with Noa about her meals and what she likes to eat for breakfast, lunch, and supper. The dialog introduces vocabulary related to meals, food and drinks. We’ll also learn how to say usually and sometimes.
Duration : 0:8:20
In Israel the language barrier that exists between Arabs and Jews is seen as one of the primary obstacles to coexistence.
Simply put, some Arabs who live in Israel don’t speak Hebrew and many Jews don’t understand Arabic.
Now, a new program has been launched in which Jewish schoolchildren are being instructed in Arabic.
This program is called Language as a Cultural Bridge and it’s the brainchild of the Abraham Fund.
The number of the Israeli schools applying initiative has nearly doubled since last year.
Unlike the existing Arabic curriculum, this program places emphasis on spoken Arabic and promotes a better understanding of Arab culture by bringing it directly into Jewish classrooms.
Dadi Komem, Abraham Fund:
2:20- 2:43
“The main goal of this program is not just to teach Arabic as a language. A language is a bridge to a culture and culture is part of the language. What we’re trying to do is make a real change in the positions and opinions of the children. We try to reduce fears and reduce stereotypes.”
But where stereotypes run deep, this is no easy task.
Maor:
If a terrorist gets hold of me, I can talk to him in Arabic and maybe he’ll release me.
Saida ‘Subhi, Arabic Teacher:
3:20 Everything in the beginning is difficult. At the beginning they said, ‘what do we need this for? It’s not important?’ but when I explained the language to them, they love it. They love the language a lot, because they love me (laughs).
Elad:
I might have Arab friends and I’ll want to talk with them if they don’t speak Hebrew.
Topaz:
If I want to talk with someone, let’s say at work, it will help me with the working relations. — Do you have Arab friends? — I’ve had three Arab friends since first grade.
Elad:
It’s quite an interesting language. They have interesting music. It’s fun to learn.
The program’s creators are working on expanding the program to more schools and reaching wider age groups.
They hope it will promote more tolerance towards Israel’s Arab minority, which constitutes a fifth of the country’s population.
Duration : 0:3:3
A searing interview with Avichai Sharon and Noam Chayut, both veterans of the Israeli Defense Forces and members of Breaking the Silence. Sharon and Chayut served during the second intifada, an on-going bloodbath that has claimed the lives of over three thousand Palestinians and nine-hundred-fifty Israelis. After thorough introspection, these young men have chosen to speak out about their experiences as self-described “brutal occupiers of a disputed land.” Producer: Sat Gwin
Alternate Focus is available on the Dish Network, Free Speech TV, Channel 9415, Saturdays at 8:00pm EST and on cable stations near you. Check www.alternatefocus.org for details.
Duration : 0:29:31