This week, we, the Jews and especially Israeli Jews, are commemorating 70 years since the creation of the modern State of Israel.

The last 70 years have been, and still are, a constant struggle against enemies surrounding our small State, and unfortunately, we have not been fighting only our enemies. Even after 70 years there is a tremendous struggle between Jews, an internal struggle to find unification among ourselves, to find a self-definition as a State and Nation – one that will be accepted by all our citizens.

So far, we have not succeeded in determining the right structure of government, we have not even been able to agree on the most basic concept of “who is to be considered a Jew by law”. As a result, we are still unable to find an acceptable definition of the Jewish and Democratic State we’ve dreamed of for thousands of years.

One of the most substantial reasons behind this struggle is a communication problem that the State of Israel has been neglecting for decades.  Lack of effective teaching and implementation of Hebrew as the national language has limited the successful integration of new immigrants.  Unfortunately, only a few people are involved in this most crucial factor that lays the foundation for the future of the State of Israel.

Hebrew is the only tool that can bring generations of immigrants and natives together. Hebrew is the only tool, capable of narrowing the gap in mentality between new immigrants, old immigrants, and natives of Israel.

The language barrier is the one area in which all immigrants have a struggle.  Although some may have an easier time learning Hebrew, we all have experienced some language challenges, and for some people it becomes an eternal struggle that causes them to become dependent on the good nature and character of others (or to fall victim to opportunists).

Unfortunately, the State of Israel has denied the problem and has not invested enough in developing multiple methods of teaching Hebrew to accommodate the various learning styles. They have not only failed new immigrants but have also failed in the effective teaching of Hebrew to most citizens, resulting in poor literacy.  And if they don’t address this problem quickly and thoroughly, then they will continue to fail in their responsibility to future immigrants. What has been done so far is a drop in the ocean and nothing more.

When we do not have total control of the language, we misunderstand the implication of words and phrases (e.g., rental and employment contracts, school activities and requirements, appliance purchases and warranties, understanding a medical prognosis and treatment options, etc.) – we miss out on experiencing a normal life.

Understanding the news on the TV and radio, being able to deal with mundane tasks such as shopping in the supermarket, banking, using post office services, communicating with government Ministries – the normal activities that make us part of society.

The inability to speak, read and write with literacy in Hebrew is what makes assimilation so very difficult, frustrating, and demoralizing for so many immigrants and non-Jewish residents. Hebrew is necessary in order to mingle with Israelis, to be a productive part of society, to know what is going on around us.

I sincerely hope that one day, in the near future, that I will be able to publish my articles for olim in Hebrew instead of English and Portuguese because my readers will have become fully able to understand what I write in Hebrew.

I wish you all a happy YOM HATZMAUT SAMEACH!

Sincerely,

Tzvi Szajnbrum, Attorney at Law
CEO & Founder of VOLEH