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Egyptian College Students Flock to Learn Hebrew

[Ynet News] Itamar Eichner - An unexpected new trend among Egyptian university students: Hebrew language studies. Foreign Ministry data indicate that over 1,400 Egyptian students are currently enrolled in full-time Hebrew studies programs at more than ten Egyptian universities. Egyptian officials explained that this burgeoning interest in Hebrew stems mostly from Egyptian curiosity, but also of a keen desire to "know the enemy." Many students are sent to Hebrew studies programs by Egyptian intelligence, who frown upon students who study Hebrew at their own initiative. Students who attend the Israeli Academic Center or frequent the Israeli embassy in Cairo are harassed by security personnel, who incessantly question them and often warn them not to return.
2007-12-20 01:00:00
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