How an ancient language became modern Israel's official tongue
Dormant for centuries, ancient Hebrew was remarkably revived in the 20th century, becoming the vibrant official language of modern Israel and fostering a unique national identity.
Hebrew, once the language of ancient Israelites and sacred texts, largely ceased as an everyday spoken language by 200 CE. Yet, in a rare linguistic feat, it was revived in the late 19th century. Eliezer Ben-Yehuda, often called the father of modern Hebrew, spearheaded this effort, creating new words and promoting its use. This revival gained momentum with Jewish immigration to Palestine, leading to Hebrew schools and newspapers. When Israel declared independence in 1948, Hebrew became an official language, a status solidified in 2018. Today, 9 million people speak Hebrew, proving ancient words can thrive in the modern world.