It has been widely reported that Arabic has been downgraded as a language even though the Law clearly states that the clause related to language “does not harm the status given to the Arabic language before this law came into effect”.
How did so many news outlets get such a basic fact so wrong?
There has been much uninformed comment in the international media over the last 24 hours about Israel’s Nation State Law. For example, it has been widely reported that Arabic has been downgraded as a language even though the Law clearly states that the clause related to language “does not harm the status given to the Arabic language before this law came into effect”.
How did so many news outlets get such a basic fact so wrong?
Much of what the new statute states is really just codifying into law what is already a reality and one such example is the declaration that the Menorah is the state emblem. Below is the full text. Have a read and see if you can figure out what all the outrage is about.
Full text of Basic Law: Israel as the Nation State of the Jewish People
Publicized: July 19, 2018
The following is a full translation of the final version of Basic Law: Israel as the Nation State of the Jewish People, passed by the Knesset on July 19, 2018.
1. Basic principles
- The land of Israel is the historical homeland of the Jewish people, in which the State of Israel was established.
- The State of Israel is the national home of the Jewish people, in which it fulfills its natural, cultural, religious and historical right to self-determination.
- The right to exercise national self-determination in the State of Israel is unique to the Jewish people.
2. The symbols of the State
- The name of the State is “Israel.”
- The State flag is white with two blue stripes near the edges and a blue Star of David in the center.
- The State emblem is a seven-branched menorah with olive leaves on both sides and the word “Israel” beneath it.
- The State anthem is “Hatikvah.”
3. The capital of the state
Jerusalem, complete and united, is the capital of Israel.
4. Language
- The state’s language is Hebrew.
- The Arabic language has a special status in the state; Regulating the use of Arabic in state institutions or by them will be set in law.
- This clause does not harm the status given to the Arabic language before this law came into effect.
5. Ingathering of the exiles
The state will be open for Jewish immigration and the ingathering of exiles
6. Connection to the Jewish people
- The state will strive to ensure the safety of the members of the Jewish people in trouble or in captivity due to the fact of their Jewishness or their citizenship.
- The state shall act within the Diaspora to strengthen the affinity between the state and members of the Jewish people.
- The state shall act to preserve the cultural, historical and religious heritage of the Jewish people among Jews in the Diaspora.
7. Jewish settlement
A. The state views the development of Jewish settlement as a national value and will act to encourage and promote its establishment and consolidation.
8. Official calendar
The Hebrew calendar is the official calendar of the state and alongside it the Gregorian calendar will be used as an official calendar. Use of the Hebrew calendar and the Gregorian calendar will be determined by law.
9. Independence Day and memorial days
- Independence Day is the official national holiday of the state.
- Memorial Day for the Fallen in Israel’s Wars and Holocaust and Heroism Remembrance Day are official memorial days of the State.
10. Days of rest and Sabbath
The Sabbath and the festivals of Israel are the established days of rest in the state; Non-Jews have a right to maintain days of rest on their Sabbaths and festivals; Details of this issue will be determined by law.
11. Immutability
This Basic Law shall not be amended, unless by another Basic Law passed by a majority of Knesset members.
by Editorial
