Blurb:

Chapter seven offers a historical perspective on Arabic Teaching and Learning (ATL) in Israeli Jewish schools amidst the ongoing conflict. It spans from pre-1948 to the 1980s, portraying the evolving perception of Arabic from practicality and cultural significance to security concerns. Despite efforts to enhance Arabic education, challenges persisted, including teacher shortages and curriculum issues. Political leaders like Yitzhak Navon acknowledged the importance of Arabic for fostering understanding and coexistence, yet faced resistance from Jewish students. Despite policy changes, Arabic education has declined due to sociopolitical biases and the prioritization of other languages. This situation underscores ongoing challenges in ensuring the consistent enforcement and tracking of Arabic instruction across schools, casting doubts on the Ministry of Education's commitment to promoting Arabic education.