East Jerusalem Arabs Are Adapting to Israel

(Ha'aretz) Nir Hasson - Along with nationalist radicalization and widespread support for Hamas, far-reaching changes are taking place among Arabs in east Jerusalem that can be described as "Israelization," "normalization" or just plain adaptation. Examples of this trend include increasing numbers of applications for an Israeli ID card; more high-school students taking the Israeli matriculation exams; greater numbers enrolling in Israeli academic institutions; a decline in the birthrate; more requests for building permits; a rising number of youth volunteering for national service; and surveys showing that in a final settlement more east Jerusalem Arabs would prefer to remain under Israeli rule. There are now about 10 colleges in east Jerusalem that specialize in preparing students for Israeli universities. Eid Abu Ramila, who teaches civics, explains, "If you go to school in Bethlehem or to Al-Quds University, the only place you'll be able to find work after you graduate is at the PA, for NIS 2,000 ($525) a month. So everyone is now flocking to Israel."


2012-12-31 00:00:00

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