Place Names and Their Etymological Link with Hebrew | #shorts

Some interesting facts about place names and their connection with Hebrew.

An Israel Law That Divides and Discriminates | Inside Story

Israel's parliament has narrowly passed a law that defines the country as a Jewish state. It gives only the Jews the right to self-determination, discriminating against one-fifth of the population, which includes nearly two million Arab Israelis and other minorities.

The law also demotes Arabic, leaving Hebrew as the only official language. The move has led to widespread anger, even among sections of the Jewish population. Arab Israelis are calling it racist and comparing it with apartheid. So, what's in store for them? How will the regional powers react to the controversial law?

Presenter: Hashem Ahelbarra | Guests: Emmanuel Navon, Tel Aviv University; Prof Mukhaimer Abu Saada, Al Azhar University; Gaza Gil Hoffman, Chief Political Correspondent, Jerusalem Post

Who, What, Why: What Language Would Jesus Have Spoken?

BBC: Israel's prime minister has verbally sparred with the Pope over which language Christ might have spoken. Several languages were used in the places where Jesus lived - so which would he have known, asks Tom de Castella.

Benjamin Netanyahu and Pope Francis appeared to have a momentary disagreement. "Jesus was here, in this land. He spoke Hebrew," Netanyahu told the Pope at a public meeting in Jerusalem. "Aramaic," interjected the Pope. "He spoke Aramaic, but he knew Hebrew," Netanyahu shot back.

It's broadly accepted that Jesus existed, although the historicity of the events of his life is still hotly debated. But language historians can shed light on what language a carpenter's son from Galilee who became a spiritual leader would have spoken. » | Who, What, Why, BBC News Magazine | Tuesday, May 27, 2014