"The opportunity to study foreign languages introduces students to the heritage of various cultures. In this light, the Russian language, spoken by this country's largest community, is instrumental in integration into society," party chairman Roman Bronfman said.
Bronfman has asked Israeli Education Minister Limor Livnat to reverse the decision to suspend budget allocations for Russian courses beginning next academic year, Democratic Choice spokespeople say.
"Russian language courses help newly repatriated students to assimilate successfully to the educational system, thereby significantly improving their academic record," Bronfman said.
He described the removal of Russian from schools' curriculums as "rash and erroneous," warning that as many as 140 teachers could lose their jobs, as a result.
Bronfman also urged Avraam Poraz, chair of the education commission in the Knesset, the Israeli parliament, to call an emergency session of the commission to discuss the issue.
