Benjamin Netanyahu urges students in Israel to read the Bible

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged students to study the Bible and their Jewish heritage at a cabinet meeting last week. He added that "excellence and Zionism" will be the basis of the revolution in education.

Netanyahu made the remarks in relation to the 2016-2017 school year that began on Thursday, Aug. 25.

"First of all, the study of the Bible," he said at the meeting. "We must make a major effort – this is the basis for why we are here, why we have returned here, why we stay here."

The prime minister stated that the study of the Bible and Jewish heritage will help students understand why they are in Israel. He also emphasized the significance of teaching about the contributions Jews made to society.

Netanyahu also pointed out the importance of knowledge to Israel's development. "Knowledge is a critical word," he said. "We want to give it to every child in Israel, Jews and non-Jews as one, religious and secular. This is the basis of the new world, and the basis of Israel as a strong nation in the world," he added.

The prime minister also recommended the use of the internet because it would enable teachers and students to communicate better.

Education Minister Naftali Bennett also affirmed Netanyahu's idea of introducing Zionism into the Israeli curriculum.

"We need to highlight our national values, Zionism, love of country and service to the state, and the strengthening of our shared Jewish roots."

Bennett also emphasized the teaching of the English language during the new school year. There will be 2,000 additional hours of English language lessons in schools as part of the campaign to improve language skills. He stated that every Israeli child should learn to write and speak English for easy job hiring in the future. The lessons will reportedly put an emphasis on practical skills instead of literature.