While support for spoken Arabic lessons in Israeli schools was widespread among Knesset members as well as government ministers, reactions from parents has been mixed.
In an informal poll, Army Radio gaged mixed opinion among parents, especially of children in younger grades, on whether the lessons were a good idea.
The measure, introduced by MK Oren Hazan (Likud), calls for children as young as six yo begin studying basic Arabic.
According to Hazan, "Language is a door to culture. I am looking reality in the eyes and I understand there is no possibility to walk to peace without understanding each other."
Many parents are, however, concerned over the extra work load their children will be required to carry, the Army Radio poll showed.
“Children in first and second grade have enough on their hands learning to read and write properly,” said one parent. “It would be better to implement this program in later grades, like fifth or sixth grade. Then they will be able to invest more time and effort into it.”
That view, the poll showed, was reflected by many of the parents.
However, others were in favor of the program. “We live among Arabs, our neighbors are Arabs, our enemies are Arabs,” said one parent. “It would be worthwhile for us to learn their language.”
The Knesset voted unanimously in favor of the bill in its first reading Wednesday, with about half of the 120 total MKs in attendance. It will now go before the Knesset Education Committee before returning to parliament for a second and third reading.