This November 15th, in Paris, France, B’nai B’rith International, in partnership with UNESCO organized a symposium. This event aimed to contribute to ongoing global discussions on the importance of languages in creating peaceful, open, inclusive and resilient societies.

The symposium also marked the 100th anniversary of the death of Ben-Yehuda, the lexicographer and editor who led the revival of the Hebrew language as Israel’s primary spoken and written national language.

It analyzed various aspects of the history of the Hebrew language and raise awareness of the importance of normative instruments and recommendations such as the UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Promotion and Use of Multilingualism and Universal Access to Cyberspace (2003) in ensuring resilient and multilingual societies. 

Lessons were drawn from the case of the Hebrew language and its revitalization to inform the implementation of the UN International Decade of Indigenous Languages (IDIL2022-2032). Capacity building and partnership initiatives to revitalize the Hebrew language can be adapted and replicated for the protection, revitalization and promotion of indigenous languages worldwide.

B’nai B’rith Europe’s President – Serge Dahan, Secretary General – Valérie Achache, Treasurer – André Ouazana, as well as the Communication and Public Affairs Officer – Iris Weissbuch, attended the event.

More information here