Why English Matters in Everyday Life in Israel

Living in Israel often means moving between languages. For me, Arabic and Hebrew are part of everyday life, while English opens another space for learning, working, and connecting.

English can appear in small moments: following an online tutorial, watching a series without subtitles, or helping a visitor find their way. It also becomes useful in bigger moments, such as applying for a job, preparing a presentation, or reading an academic article.

For students, knowing the subject and understanding the English used to explain it are sometimes two separate challenges. Building confidence in English can make studying feel more manageable and give us more freedom to explore ideas independently.

At work, English can help us communicate with customers, colleagues, and people abroad. Even when a job mainly uses Arabic or Hebrew, being comfortable writing an email or holding a conversation in English can be an advantage.

Here in the north, where different languages and communities meet, I see language as a way to make connections. English adds another possibility, both locally and beyond Israel.

That is why I believe learning English should go beyond preparing for the Bagrut. Grades matter, but so does being able to speak without rehearsing every sentence in your head.

You can have an accent, make mistakes, and still communicate well. The goal is to give yourself more choices—and the confidence to use them.

Where do you find yourself needing English most: studying, working, travelling, or everyday conversations?