Hebrewman

May 24, 2010 - 1:56 PM by

Marwa Abdel Karim sings a song by Sarit Haddad (photo: AFP)


There are nearly no Jews left in Iraq, but modern Hebrew is still being taught at Baghdad University to some 150 students, according to a recent AFP story. Never mind that learning the language was banned from the 1930s, there is a Hebraic department in the university, and in addition to learning the language, they recently held a festival of Hebrew songs and poetry.

The AFP reporter who wrote the story told of Marwa Abdel Karim singing “Filled With Love” (or Ahava Betochi), a Sarit Hadad song, to her fellow students. She found the song online, and is also somewhat bemused by her choice of language. But despite her friends’ ridicule and parents’ disappointment, she plans on continuing her studies in Amman and then wants to teach at her alma mater.

At one time, Hebrew-speaking Iraqis could get a job with former president Saddam Hussein’s intelligence services. But now that terrorism is the country’s major security concern, those jobs are much harder to find. Ahmed Saadun, another student of Hebrew, said he would check out the foreign affairs ministry and newspapers when he graduates. Still, he told the AFP reporter, he’s aware of the ironies in his situation.

Here’s the real thing, by Sarit Hadad:
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Tags: , , , , • Category: Art, coexistence, General, History and Culture, Israeliness, Music, Pop Culture 

Comments

One Comment on Hebrewman

  1. Paphos travel on Tue, Feb 1st 2011 12:19 PM

    2. They need to learn Hebrew because unfortunately they are not friendly to your country

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