Higher Education and the Palestinian Arab Minority in Israel - by Khalid Arar & Kussai Haj-Yehia (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Higher Education and the Palestinian Minority in Israel examines perceptions concerning the characteristics of higher education acquisition in the indigenous Palestinian Arab minority in Israel. Arar and Haj-Yehia show that Palestinian Arabs in Israel clearly understand the benefit of an academic degree as a lever for social status and integration within the state of Israel. The authors discuss difficulties met by Palestinian high school graduates when they attempt to enter Israel's higher education institutes, and the alternative phenomenon of studying abroad. The cultural difference between Palestinian traditional communities and 'Western' Israeli campuses exposes Arab students to a mix of ethnicities and nationalities, which proves to be a difficult, transformative experience. The book analyzes patterns of higher education acquisition among the indigenous Palestinian minority, describing the disciplines they choose, the challenges they encounter, particularly for Palestinian women students, and explore the implications for the Palestinian minority and Israeli society. "--

From the Back Cover

Higher Education and the Palestinian Minority in Israel examines perceptions concerning the characteristics of higher education acquisition in the indigenous Palestinian Arab minority in Israel. Arar and Haj-Yehia show that Palestinian Arabs in Israel clearly understand the benefit of an academic degree as a lever for social status and integration within the state of Israel. The authors discuss difficulties met by Palestinian high school graduates when they attempt to enter Israel's higher education institutes, and the alternative phenomenon of studying abroad. The cultural difference between Palestinian traditional communities and 'Western' Israeli campuses exposes Arab students to a mix of ethnicities and nationalities, which proves to be a difficult, transformative experience. The book analyzes patterns of higher education acquisition among the indigenous Palestinian minority, describing the disciplines they choose, the challenges they encounter, particularly for Palestinian women students, and explore the implications for the Palestinian minority and Israeli society.

Review Quotes

"The book raises discussions and arguments broad enough to illuminate the function of education in culturally, economically and socially diversified settings. I believe the book is one of the key references for various related discussions in educational research such as social justice, disadvantaged groups, multiculturalism, and minorities in education."
- Yasar Kondakci, Associate Professor in Educational Administration and Planning, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey

"The authors offer...a comprehensive overview and in-depth insights into the obstacles and challenges [facing] the Palestinian Arab minority in Israel and abroad in higher education. A 'must read' for anyone interested in minority studies in higher education."
- Jeroen Huisman, Professor of Higher Education at Ghent University, Belgium, and Editor of Higher Education Policy

'Drawing on a wide range of fascinating empirical material, this book provides a detailed account of the experiences of Palestinian Arabs in accessing higher education in Israel and beyond. [This] book makes a significant contribution to both academic and policy debates.'
- Rachel Brooks, Professor and Head of the Department of Sociology, University of Surrey, UK, and Executive Editor, British Journal of Sociology of Education.

'Well-written and comprehensive in coverage...this extraordinary study will contribute to the field of higher education...not only in Israel but all over the world.'
- Selahattin Turan, Professor of Educational Leadership and Policy, Eski?ehir Osmangazi University, Turkey and President, ECO Educational Institute in Ankara.

About the Author

Khalid Arar is Senior Lecturer at the Center for Academic Studies and co-head of the Master's program in Education Administration at Sakhnin Academic College, Israel.

Kussai Haj-Yehia is Senior Lecturer and head of the Master's degree program in Education and Arab Culture at Beit Berl Academic College, Israel.