About the American arrogance of making Aliyah to Israel and not learning sufficient Hebrew.
Let me tell you, in Israel you need to know Hebrew in order to get accepted and be part of society.
Israel is not America !!! Don't forget that.
Well, Yiddish might be enough in some parts as well.:-)
B"H
ReplyDeleteHi Patrick,
Well, I wasn't referring to the anti - Zionist point of view but to modern Israeli society.
If someone is against the present State of Israel and thus considers Hebrew as the Lashon HaKoidesh, so I accept that.
However, even if an anti - Zionist is moving to Israel (and there are such people) they should at least make an effort learning Hebrew. By the way, when I went to the Neturei Karta and had a question, people were referring to me in Hebrew. And I also speak in Hebrew with the Toldot Aharon as well as with Dushinsky and Satmar. No Israeli member of those groups has ever told me not to refer to them in Hebrew.
I don't agree that Israel should have chosen English as the first language. Actually Theodor Herzl once had German in mind but this was totallu unacceptable after the Holocaust.
Regarding anti - Zionism:
There are different opinions. Also those saying that Jews should make an effort and do something. Like building a State of Israel. If we do act, then G - d may do it on His part.
In other word, in order to make Him act, we have to take the first step. And thus, the present State of Israel is not that bad although it is not with Meshiach and all this. But probably the forerunner to the Messianic times.
Jerusalem is a trash dump and people are getting ripped off. This is how it is at the moment and it can only become better with Meschiach.
Patrick,
ReplyDeleteonly a small percentage of new olim speak English at all. Therefore Hebrew is really very handy as a lingua franca. Everyone has at least a little clue about it. How would you converse with a French oleh or with someone from South America? In Hebrew of course! Dang, today even in some places in Northern India you can speak Hebrew with the locals.
The graffiti is a bit of a contradiction. Shouldn't that be '!דבר עברית' instead?
Hi Miriam,
ReplyDeleteAs an American Jew, I think I have a right to state my opinions about Israel so long as my country keeps financing Israel. Perhaps that's why the Eidah doesn't accept Israeli money. Because once a donee does, the donor acquires the right to tell the donee how to live. Sorry, but there's no such thing as a free ride.
Matthew
B"H
ReplyDeleteHi Matthew,
It is not a matter of money or donating !!!
Whoever is making Aliyah should make an effort of being part of a new society. If he only comes to Israel to find another America, so stay at home.
When I made Aliyah from Germany, I learned Hebrew (actually I knew the languge before making Aliyah), I found Israeli friends, I work with Israelis, I don't miss German food and all my life is Israeli. It doesn't mean giving up an identity or mentality but when you live in Israel and have an Israeli ID, so be Israeli and not just a foreigner with an Israeli ID card.
B"H
ReplyDeleteYou are allowed to disagree.
However, Israel is Israel no matter how much money other people donate. And believe me, Israelis work as well and we pay enough taxes.
As I said before, Israel has its own identity and in our country, you go according to Israelis rules or you are not part of society. If you choose to be "out", so don't complain.
Shabbat Shalom
Israel can change ... and it should. It needs improvement. If you think that Israel doesn't need improvement, then I think that is an example of Israel's ignorance and arrogance.
ReplyDeleteGut Shabbas
B"H
ReplyDeleteOf course, Israel has to change. Every country should try changing to the better.
However, Israel has its own character, culture, mentalities, food etc. And we Israelis are very proud of it.
Shavua Tov - Have a great week !
B"H
ReplyDeleteTo the one sending me a comment which I deleted:
I delete comments which are either provoking and don't lead anywhere or those which include a dirty language.
As you fit into the second category, I deleted your comment. It depends of you: You can disagree as much as you like but watch your language and don't behave like a little child.
B"H
ReplyDeleteThe French would say that it should be "French". The South Americans would say that "Spanish" should be spoken. And once, Theodor Herzl planned German as the first language.
When I go to a different country in order to live their and get citizenship, I do learn the language and try to get adjusted.
I think that especially Israelis show lots of patience with Americans struhheling with their Hebrew. But it is very much appreaciated when the new immigrants make an effort and not just bump in and only talk in English.
Reality is that Hebrew is the language of the State of Israel. If Zionist or not.