Protesting Nationality Law, hundreds gather in Tel Aviv to learn Arabic in 'The biggest Arabic lesson in the world'

Some 700 people gathered in Habima Square in Tel Aviv on Monday in order to learn Arabic together as a show of protest against the Knesset's recent passing of the controversial Nationality Law. Israel passed the nationality bill into law earlier this month to declare that Israel is the homeland of the Jewish people with Hebrew as it's official language, and Arabic as a language with a uniqe stattus. This new law has stoked anger among critics who argue it is racist. Organizers of the gathering in Habima Square, which was dubbed "The biggest Arabic lesson in the world", said it was intended to make the Arabic language widespread in the public. During the event, a number of short lessons were given on Arabic phrases and words. Arabic and Hebrew songs were also sung by famous artists. "It is important for us to point out and say that the Arabic language cannot be annulled," said Nadya Masallah who organized the event. "There are residents here who live and speak this language, and we have to maintain it and strengthen it and continue to work so that the Arabic language will be here." Masallah's children study in a bilingual school which she says strengthens the idea of coexistence. "The Arabic language is something that is extremely essential in this country. This can't be forgotten. This law, if implemented, would have an impact," she said. "The language is our past, our present and our future as is the Hebrew language and we are not giving it up," she said on the stage. "We are here and are continuing our campaign to widen the Arabic language." Ron Gerlitz, the joint chairman of the NGO "Sikkuy" (Chance), an organization that promotes equality and coexistence between Arabs and Jews in Israel, said that he believed the Nationality Law is perhaps the most anti-Israel law that has ever been legislated in Israel. "There are many people here, both Jews and Arabs, who came to protest against this law and our protest is done through teaching Arabic and it is aimed against this law and against the downgrading of the status of the Arabic language," he said, describing the demonstration as a wonderful thing. Photos: The protest yesterday in Tel Aviv; The Jewish-Arab pair singers Ahinoam Nini (L) and Mira Awad who took part in the protest

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