Arabs Study Hebrew to Take Courses in Haifa Technicum

(Jewish Telegraphic Agency)

How constructive activities for the rebuilding of the Jewish National Home are breaking down Arab prejudice is revealed in the semi-annual report of the Haifa Technical Institute just published here.

In the evening classes, attended during the past semester by 145 students, one Arab, able to follow Hebrew instruction, is a member of the electricians’ class. A group of Arab workers is preparing to join the school’s evening classes by perfecting themselves in Hebrew through classes arranged by the Education Committee of the Jewish Workers’ Federation. Another Arab group has begun studying Hebrew to be eligible to admission to the classes next year.

Architecture and the study of building materials are two new courses added to the School’s regular day courses this year. In the evening courses certificates are granted to the graduating students as builders, locksmiths, electricians and telephone workers. The students range in age from 16 to 31, with one exception this year, a carpenter who is 45.

Entrance requirements to the school, which turns out expert workers to engage in the upbuilding of the country, are high. Almost twenty-five per cent of the applicants this past term were rejected because they failed to meet the necessary requirements.

The Hebrew University has extended its activities this month with the opening of the School for Oriental Studies, under the direction of Prof. Horo of the University of Frankfort, a noted Orientalist. The School is at present limited to advanced students with a thorough knowledge of Arabic.