(haipo) - There are moments when language becomes much more than just words. Haim Ofek, a retiree from Haifa, turned his passion for learning the Arabic language into a unique and inspiring venture, one that brings people closer together through speaking the vernacular Arabic language. Ofek doesn't just learn the language - he creates connections through it, smashes prejudices, and thus builds and nurtures bridges of understanding.
Haim Ofek, formerly an engineer in refineries, began his journey with the Arabic language after his retirement. "I started learning Arabic through the 'Madrasah' practice group," he says, "and then I continued with frontal studies at Beit Alkarma, or as it is known in Hebrew - Beit Hagafen. There a new world opened up to me thanks to the teacher who ignited a love for the language in me."
According to him, learning the language does not amount to learning words and grammar. "My goal is to get to know the culture, the customs and the language spoken every day. When I travel in the wadi or in Arab neighborhoods in the city, I enjoy speaking the language in a simple and direct way."
Meetings of speech and understanding
Ofek began his activity in the room of the Lottery on Khouri Street, where he patiently waited for the participants. "That's how I made connections and spoke in Arabic. I learned new words and improved my ability to communicate in the spoken language."
Later, Ofek began to come to the home for the elderly in Wadi twice a week, and talk to the residents in Arabic. "These meetings were exciting and full of meaning, but when the place went into renovations, the activity was stopped," he says.
This, of course, did not stop him. Ofek started a private club in collaboration with the restaurant "Zit Zeton" in Talpiot Market. "Our mentor is the wife of the restaurant owner, we meet once a week and talk in Arabic. The meetings have been going on for seven years, are successful and continue to grow."
Thanks to the success, Ofek was also invited to the Ahmadi community, in their mosque in the Kabbir neighborhood in Haifa. "Today we have three active groups, and I dream that we will continue to grow and that more and more people will join this project."
Language as a gateway to understanding and changing perceptions
Ofek explains that learning the Arabic language is a key to breaking prejudices. "In these conversations, all barriers disappear. People realize that what they thought or feared was based on unfamiliarity. The language enables direct communication that dispels fears and connects worlds."
He aims to expand the activity and add more volunteers who will help in the journey to promote this project. "I want the project to be established, so that more people can enjoy and experience the magic of language and meeting the other." In Haifa, a city of coexistence, Ofek's project is a living example of the power of language as a tool to create real change - one that brings people closer, creates friendships News and fosters mutual understanding, closeness and respect between communities.
Anyone interested in joining is invited to contact Haim Ofek, Tel.: 052-2806686
Learn Arabic, Russian, whatever you want, just teach them one word - T_R_N_S_F_R
Goodbye and Goodbye
Important and beautiful 💪
Again from the same excessive indulgence in fake coexistence?
Zalman vaccine You brought a response to a matter that I have nothing to add.
Practice practice Arabic maybe it will help you in guarding the walls 2 you will be caught in the wadi by some cousins.
A delusional Jew is slouching
Delusional Jews crawl at the feet of Arabs who are unwilling to speak Hebrew out of racist pride for their race.
Instead of learning French in high schools, it is better to learn Arabic. Even the French are switching to Arabic, soon there won't be any French speaking French left, not far from today when the muezzin will take the place of the priest at Notre Dame
It sure makes an impression on them that you robbed them of their lands... but now you also speak their language... A bunch of colonialists who live in sratttttt.. unless the Torah is true and then you didn't steal anything
Did you steal land? You probably need a history lesson this land never belonged to them.
A joyful ray of light
Decides and saves for retirement
Successfully
Engraving in shekel in 3...2...1...0
Trying to normalize a different reality, this whole hypocritical coexistence, especially with ghostly concepts that are far from the truth.
The baboons from the ignorant Bayes like you already know Arabic, come on Ruh Al Beth
exciting.