Norwegian Samis in Israel to save their language

To save their endangered languages, Sami group from Norway came to the Hebrew University.

(Hebrew Unversity of Jerusalem, Department of Media Relations) Representatives of the Sami minority in Norway came to the Hebrew University of Jerusalem today to learn how Hebrew is taught to students from around the world. Their goal is to apply similar teaching methods to revitalize the endangered Sami languages so they can pass them on to future generations. An estimated 100,000 Sami people live in Lapland, a region in northern Europe stretching across Norway, Finland, Sweden and Russia. Of ten known Sami languages, several have disappeared, and some currently have as few as 30 speakers. Not all of the languages are mutually understandable. With financial support from the Norwegian government, the Sami have launched several initiatives, such as a Sami-language kindergarten, to promote the use of their traditional languages. But their current objective is to learn how other cultures successfully revived traditional languages and to adopt those methods in their own communities. According to delegation leader Kevin Johansen, “At first we focused on Scotland and Wales, because we had looked at how many people speak the different minority languages in Europe, and while most had declined, Scotland and Wales had some success. But they told us that it’s better for us to go to Israel, because the Israelis are the experts and they had learned from the Israelis. We wanted to learn from the best and so that’s why we decided to come here.” Johansen is an advisor for Sami issues at the University of Nordland in Norway and for the county governor of Nordland. The delegation was greeted by Hebrew University president Prof. Menahem Ben-Sasson, who told them that the Hebrew University’s name reflected a conscious decision to emphasize the Hebrew language. Ben-Sasson encouraged their efforts to revive the Sami languages, and pointed out that while over 100 years ago few believed it was possible to bring Hebrew back to life, history has proven otherwise. The delegation also visited the Hebrew University’s Rothberg International School, where they attended an ulpan beginners-level class, met with teachers and administrators, and learned how the Hebrew University and other institutions have taught Hebrew to vast numbers of immigrants, students and others. (An ulpan is a school for the intensive study of Hebrew.) Johansen said, “Even though we have been here a short time, we learned a lot and we have started planning for the next trip, to bring Sami teachers for a longer stay so they can learn ulpan teaching methods. We want to focus on the spoken language so that our people are able to communicate with each other. We think that will help motivate people and lead to better results.” The delegation was referred to the Hebrew University by Hildegunn Hansen, the press and information officer of the Israeli Embassy in Oslo. Members of the delegation included Lars Joar Halonen and Nils Ante Eira, who work for the Sami language center of the Lavangen municipality.   Courtesy IMFA

Pres. Peres to UN’s Ban Ki-moon: Current Iranian Sanctions Are Not Enough

President Shimon Peres on Wednesday (February 1), met with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, at the start of the Secretary-General’s visit to Israel.

UN Sec.-Gen. Ban Ki-Moon said that, “I am deeply concerned by the latest report of the International Atomic Energy Agency.  I have been urging the Iranian authorities to prove that their nuclear program is genuinely for peaceful purposes.  I think they have not yet convinced the international community.  It is very important that the international community engage in a dialog with the Iranian authorities to resolve this issue peacefully.  I urge the Iranians to engage in dialog. There is no alternative to a peaceful resolution of this issue.”

President Peres emphasized that, “At this time, the UN has a decisive role to play in the war against global terrorism, at the head of which stands Iran.  No country is immune from terrorism – not the US, not the European states and not the countries of the Middle East.  While Israel welcomes the sanctions, in and of themselves they are not enough.  I expect the international community not to take any option off the table, and to take determined action to prevent Iran from building a nuclear bomb!  Iran finances and uses terrorism.  We have witnessed the shipments of weapons and missiles that reach Gaza directly from Tehran and are received by Hamas, and the weapons convoys that go directly to Hezbollah in Lebanon and to Syria as well.”

President Peres commented on the current situation in the Middle East and said that, “Israel supports future change in the Arab world around us but it must be made certain that the changes are changes for freedom, liberty and economic prosperity and not, as we are now seeing, a change for the benefit of religious extremism, restrictions on freedom and democracy, and deepening poverty.  While Israel has no role in the Arab Spring, we are nevertheless obliged to advance peace in our region according to the criterion of two states for two peoples.  This principle has the support of a decisive majority of Israelis.  Israel is making it possible for the Palestinians to build the infrastructure for the establishment of a Palestinian state, including the establishment of a 15,000-strong Palestinian Authority public security force to fight terrorism and maintain order.  As the President and as a man who has spent his entire life fighting for peace, it is clear to me and to my people that we must move forward as quickly as possible with serious, in-depth negotiations that will focus on security and borders and be held far from the limelight.  This is in the interests of both sides and we must work to bring it about.”

UN Secy.-Gen. Ban Ki-Moon told the President that, “”It’s a great honor and pleasure for me to visit Israel for the 4th time as the Secretary-General of the United Nations.  My visit comes at a critical time where all around us dramatic and vital issues are discussed.  The both of us share mutual concern on how to bring peace and security to the region.  Unfortunately the two-state solution has not yet materialized and the question is how to create the conditions that will propel the peace process further and spread democracy in the region.  I hope that in this visit I will be able to make a contribution to these issues.  It is my intention to convey the same message to Abbas tonight and to call both sides to resume negotiations.  It is not possible to avoid direct negotiations.  We must create a political vision between the two sides, alongside goodwill gestures by both sides on the ground, and steer clear of provocation.  I promise you that I and working and speaking in a clear voice with regard to Iran, Hamas in the Gaza strip and the events in Syria.”

Regarding Syria, the UN Secy.-Gen. added that, “The Security Council engaged and discussed very seriously about the situation in Syria.   I know that Security Council members are still engaging to narrow the differences of their opinions they fully understand the seriousness and urgency of these issues.   I sincerely hope that they will be able to take necessary action.”

President Peres replied that, “When I see people being murdered in broad daylight, in the middle of the street – it’s a human tragedy.  And I pay my respect to the Arab League that has decided to intervene and to stop this bloodshed.  And I do hope the Security Council will take the proper vote.  So Mr. Secretary-General, I really wish that you will conclude it properly.  I’m speaking as a human being, not as an Israeli.”

 

Courtesy Israeli GPO

IDF sign language course to better accommodate deaf soldiers

First ever ‘Signs of Change’ course teaching IDF soldiers and commanders sign language allows for more service opportunities for deaf soldiers

The first ever ‘Signs of Change’ course, designed to improve accessibility and communication between commanders and soldiers suffering from hearing impediments or deafness, was recently completed. Run by the military funding and finance school, the project will better accommodate for such soldiers who volunteer to serve in the IDF.

Over 100 soldiers with hearing impediments and deaf soldiers are currently serving in the IDF in the different units and branches. They serve alongside other soldiers in a normal military environment, mostly using writing and lip reading to communicate.

The ‘Signs of Change’ course, composed of eight two-hour-long meetings over the span of two months, teaches commanders and soldiers the Israeli sign language and exposes them to a world without sound.

20 soldiers and commanders participated in the first ever course that was held last December. Over 60 participants already signed up for the next cycle, starting at the end of February, raising the possibility of holding to courses simultaneously.

Commander of the military school for funding and finance, Cpt. Tal Horowitz, initiated the project. He explained that the project was first set in motion in 2010 when a completely deaf soldier arrived for training and inspired him to create the course. “I was debating how I could train her. During her training, I arranged for a translator to attend all the classes and translate the material,” explained Cpt. Horowitz. “I understood that without a translator this community would only be able to communicate through either writing or lip reading. I decided to learn sign language myself and start a course for the soldier’s personal commanders, enabling us to fulfill her potential.”

Using his familiarity with the subject, Cpt. Horowitz began the ‘Signs of Change’ course for both soldiers with hearing impediments as well IDF soldiers who work with deaf civilians. He recruited soldiers and officer interested in the project, and publicized the project within the IDF for anyone who might be interested.

“This is an empowering experience that goes beyond learning sign language. The course is beneficial for everyone and allows for an interaction with a completely different world – a world without verbal interaction,” explained Cpt. Horowitz. The course enables basic communication skills with people with hearing impediments by learning and practicing sign language. Additionally, the participants are taught about the needs of the deaf community and taught how to better accommodate their work environment.

According to Cpt. Horowitz, different IDF units have expressed interest in the program and asked to have their soldiers participate. These include representatives from the IDF Military Advocate General stationed in Judea and Samaria, wishing to better communicate with deaf Palestinians that arrive at the crossings in the area.

The course will allow for more opportunities for the deaf community in the IDF, enriching their service. “We’ve received a lot of support and many wish to sign up for the course,” said Cpt. Horowitz. “The program continues to build the IDF as an equal and accessible body for everyone.”

 

Courtesy IDF

Response to terror attacks in Delhi and Tbilisi

Liberman: Israeli diplomats are on the front lines. Police and forensic officials examine a damaged Israeli embassy car after an explosion in New Delhi (Photo: Reuters)

Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman: “Israeli diplomats are on the front lines. Israel knows how to identify those who are responsible for the blast.” “It just shows that Israel and its citizens face terror inside and outside of Israel. We deal with it every day. We know how to identify exactly who is responsible for the attack and who carried it out. We will not allow this to affect our agenda.” * * * Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today made the following remarks: “In recent months we have witnessed several attempts to attack Israeli citizens and Jews in several countries, including Azerbaijan, Thailand and others. In each instance we succeeded in foiling the attacks in cooperation with local authorities. Iran and its proxy Hizbullah were behind all of these attempted attacks. Today we have witnessed two additional attempted terrorist attacks on innocent civilians, the first against an Israeli woman who was wounded in New Delhi and the second against a local employee of the Israeli Embassy in Georgia. Iran is behind these attacks; it is the largest exporter of terrorism in the world. The Government of Israel and the security services will continue to act together with local security forces against such acts of terrorism.  We will continue to take strong and systematic, yet patient, action against the international terrorism that originates in Iran.” * * * President Shimon Peres today (Monday), 13 February 2012, strongly condemned the acts of terrorism against Israeli embassy personnel India and Georgia. He said, “We will continue to defend and protect our citizens anywhere in the world. These acts of terrorism will not deter us.” President Peres spoke earlier today with Israeli Ambassador to India Alon Ushpiz and Israeli Ambassador to Georgia Itzhak Gerberg and told them: “I want to encourage the embassies’ staffs in both countries and thank the governments and security forces in India and Georgia for their help and cooperation in this matter.” Regarding Iran, the President said, “Iran is not only building a bomb and threatening to destroy our people, the government of Iran today is the headquarters of terrorism, of hatred and of war, and will not spare any effort to attempt to kill and to destroy. The Iranian government does not have a future because it does not promise a future. We shall meet the Iranian dangers as it should be done - with the maximum effort to make the region secure and peaceful.” President Peres was updated on the situation of the Israeli citizen, Tal Yehoshua Koren, who is in hospital in India, and on the cooperation with the local authorities at the scenes of the attacks. “I want to wish her a speedy recovery and hope she will be well soon,” the President added. * * * Defense Minister Ehud Barak (14 February 2012): “The attempted attack in Bangkok proves once again that Iran and its proxies are continuing to perpetrate terrorism.  The recent attacks are yet another example of this. Iran and Hizbullah are elements of unrelenting terrorism and are endangering the stability not only of the region, but of the entire world.”   Courtesy IMFA

FM Liberman meets with US Secy Clinton

FM Liberman thanked Secretary Clinton for the United States’ firm position regarding Iran. Photo: Shahar Azran

(Communicated by the Foreign Minister’s Bureau) Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Avigdor Liberman met on Tuesday, 7 February 2012, in Washington with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, where they discussed issues currently on the agenda in the Middle East. FM Liberman thanked Secretary Clinton for the United States’ firm position regarding Iran, and noted that the steps taken in recent weeks send an important message to the entire region. They discussed the situation in Syria, and expressed concern at events there. They also reviewed developments in Egypt and Syria, and Israel’s relations with the Palestinians.   Courtesy IMFA

President lighting the Chanukah candles in Latrun with Chief of Staff

“The IDF is prepared and ready for any threat near and far. We do not threaten anyone, and do not panic threats directed against us. “

People’s Army is the army that all the daughters of the people and the people are called to serve him. And all the soldiers and female soldiers equal rights and duties, without preferences and without discrimination. “

President Shimon Peres lit a candle Friday night of Chanukah with Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz, and 300 fighters from a variety of units, including paratroop soldiers, tanks and Infantry.
Speaking to the veterans the President referred to the recent events and said “one country, means a single army. With a single command. Unified army and a united people around him. Who picked up a stone on the head of the IDF commander, a danger to the state and a threat to its security.” The President added that “there is no permission to any external body, religious or secular, to send instructions to the army or signals to the soldiers. Undermining military discipline could endanger the combat capability and the ability of the IDF’s victory. People’s Army is the army that all the daughters of the people and the people are called to serve him. And all the soldiers and female soldiers equal rights and duties, without preferences and without discrimination. “
The President concluded by expressing his confidence in the Israeli army and said, “The IDF is prepared and ready for any threat near and far.

Courtesy Israeli GPO

Celebrating Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights

Hanukkah (Hebrew: חנוכה, also spelled Chanukah), also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day holiday. It commemorates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem during the Maccabean Revolt of the 2nd century BCE led by Judah the Maccabee (Judas Maccabeus). After the Assyrian-Seleucid Greeks had conquered the land of Israel, Jewish worship and practice was outlawed and the Temple desecrated. When the invaders were routed and the Maccabees regained the Temple, they discovered that there remained only one day’s supply of holy oil for the Temple’s eternal lamp. Yet the oil somehow remained alight for the eight days it took to prepare more: hence the “miracle” Hanukkah celebrates.

Hanukkah is observed by the kindling of the lights of a special candelabrum, the nine-branched Menorah or Hanukkiah, one light on the first evening of the holiday, two on the second, etc., progressing to eight on the final night. Candles are used by most Hanukkah celebrants, but some Hanukkiot use oil. An extra light called a Shamash (Hebrew: “guard” or “servant”) is also lit and is used to light the others.

One of the highlights of the celebration of Hanukkah is food…food fried in oil, symbolizing the miracle of the eternal lamp in the Temple. In the Ashkenazi tradition that was born in Europe, potato pancakes, called latkes in Yiddish, levivot in Hebrew, became the staple Hanukkah delicacy. In the Sephardic and Middle Eastern Jewish world, dough fried in oil – doughnuts (!) became the staple fare…sufganiyot in Hebrew. In Israel today, Hanukkah is celebrated with both latkes and doughnuts. It is not a low-cholesterol holiday.

Courtesy Israeli GPO

Israel Celebrates International Human Rights Day

”International Human Rights Day is a day in which the State of Israel stand proud. Proud of its record as a vibrant and pluralistic democracy. A democracy that has maintained its values despite security challenges faced by no other nation on earth.” – Israeli PM Benjamin Netayahu

Hamas leader says “Palestinians must resort to resistance”

The Palestinian people have no option except violent struggle against Israel, according to top Hamas official Khaled Mashaal. “Palestinians must resort to resistance no matter how costly it is, until Palestine is free and Israel is destroyed,” Mashaal said at a conference in Teheran this past weekend.

Hamas has repeatedly expressed its opposition to the Palestinian bid for statehood at the UN, as was demanded in New York City by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. Last week, Gaza’s Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh accused Abbas of relinquishing Palestinian rights by seeking recognition for a state in the pre-1967 borders. “The Palestinian people do not beg the world for a state, and the state can’t be created through decisions and initiatives,” Haniyeh said. “States liberate their land first and then the political body can be established.”

The enemies of Israel are becoming increasingly bold in their threats against the Jewish state. Will you stand in the gap for Israel today? The prophet Isaiah wrote of hearing God’s question: “Whom shall I send and who will go for us?” Isaiah answered, “Here am I, send me.” What will your answer be today?

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