The Ministry of Education in Israel has banned schools from educating students about a love story that centers around an Israeli girl and a Palestinian guy, because it will inspire ‘hate’ and will result in cultural assimilation. Educators had chosen to ban Borderlife – חי גבול – الحياة الحدود by Dorit Rabinyan, who is from the same country that banned her book, so it could not enter the nation’s educational program. The banning of the book has sparked a debate within the country. Rabinyan has criticized the decision, and has said that the ban has labeled her book as something that is disgraceful to the Jewish state.
However, the Israeli government has other views about the banning of the book – according to them, the book is not allowed because it contains text and paragraphs that are loaded with concealed narratives and literary criticism towards the leftists from the Israeli state. And all of this is covered by an enchanting storyline. The Israeli government then went on to state that young minds will have difficultly understanding what is in-between the lines. Ministry Functionary Dalia Fenig also added that since the tensions are so high in some parts of the country, there is a possibility that this book will fuel the hatred.
According to the Haaretz, a document written by Dalia stated that Borderlife should not be incorporated due to the fact that teenagers couldn’t understand the importance of ‘assimilation.’ Teenage youth have the tendency to romanticize and haven’t got, in many instances, a methodical way of thinking.
The writer of the book was shocked when she found out that her work, which took more than five years to complete, was out of the game with a single verdict. “I believe that what occurred in the education ministry happens to be an unbelievable scandal that can’t be pictured,” she said. “The material of the book became the true cause of its unfitness.“
The story in the book follows Liat, a Jewish girl from Israel, and a Palestinian painter. Over the course of the book, the couple fall in love in the United States. However, when they come back to their country, Tel Aviv (Israel) for the girl and Ramallah (West Bank) for the boy, they face a number of challenges that they need overcome. The writer says she used the couple’s bond to provide the reader with an accurate view of life in that region.
The book further discusses Liat’s inner battle with her fascination with Hilmi, which jeopardizes her country’s and her religion’s identity. The story was predominantly set in the United States, in order to keep a sense of neutrality. According to Rabinyan, the Israeli Ministry of Education is prepared to do almost anything to dispel the Palestinian issue and hide it from view. She also went on to explain that if the students of Israel read this book, they might consider opening doors that may never be closed. She further stated that this is not some kind of stunt to boost sales, though many authors often request this kind of propaganda. However, the book is going to be available in the United States this year.
Source: The Haaretz
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