This week, Israel Hayom published a poll with concerning findings regarding people's readiness to accept the human diversity that characterizes Israeli society. The poll found that 48% of respondents were not prepared to have an Arab teacher instruct their children; 42% did not want an ultra-Orthodox teacher; and 14% were opposed to having an Ethiopian teacher. Parents also demonstrated low tolerance for the possibility of their children studying in a mixed classroom that includes children from all sectors. Above all, they were against having Arab students share a classroom with their children, with 50% of respondents expressing this view. The data showed that now, more than ever, it is the critical responsibility of decision-makers to work cooperatively for the benefit of Israel's social and cultural fabric. Multiculturalism has led Israel to great achievements and economic strength, and made it a global leader in a number of scientific fields. Over the years, various programs were developed in coordination with the Education Ministry to train more than 3,500 education professionals. These teachers, from all sectors of society, were integrated into schools and kindergartens in all communities. As part of this project -- the Merchavim (spaces) Project -- many dozens of Arab teachers were recruited to teach the core studies classes of English, math and science in Jewish schools. Some 15 evaluation studies were conducted over several years demonstrating that these programs bring about significant change among teachers and students, influencing their behavior at school and in society, including their attitude towards other people who may be different from them. The cooperation helped create a civic climate based on equal opportunities, a sense of belonging and mutual respect. Additionally, the values of shared citizenship were given practical expression in learning spaces, professional environments and other areas. Social diversity is a necessity, rather than a choice. There is no school and no classroom that does not include different types of people. Every educational institution is committed to providing its students with the tools to flourish within a diverse environment so they van succeed in their studies and prosper as mature citizens, in higher education, in the workplace and in their communities. The appropriate response to this challenge is not to avoid or ignore it, rather to find ways to handle it that ultimately benefit everyone. A lack of diversity and sticking to the familiar only increases fear of what's different, making ignorance and closed-off attitudes stronger than ever. A closed-off society that is not prepared to accept the other very quickly turns into a racist and dark society that allows for social and even political movements that feed off of fear to grow and prosper. In addition, population groups that feel excluded become bitter and could harm society in a number of ways. Being exposed to the other shows us that our fears are unfounded and makes society more accepting, tolerant and open. Students who are exposed to different types of people will not be afraid of hiring an ultra-Orthodox person, an Arab or an Ethiopian or of being employed by people from these sectors. The cultural heritage that each of these groups brings with it adds another dimension to Israeli society and contributes parts to the creation of a unique, developing whole that will help us reach the top spots in global competition. Dr. Yasser Awad is vice president of the Sakhnin Academic College for Teacher Education.
Social diversity is a necessity
מערכת ישראל היום
מערכת "ישראל היום“ מפיקה ומעדכנת תכנים חדשותיים, מבזקים ופרשנויות לאורך כל שעות היממה. התוכן נערך בקפדנות, נבדק עובדתית ומוגש לציבור מתוך האמונה שהקוראים ראויים לעיתונות טובה יותר - אמינה, אובייקטיבית ועניינית.
