Israeli Military Spokeswoman Urges Respect for Arabic Language, Criticizes Social Media Vitriol

An Israeli military spokeswoman has launched a public appeal to defend the Arabic language against what she views as its degradation through hostile discourse on social media platforms.

Ella Wawiyeh shared her message on X, accompanied by a video reflecting on the historical and cultural significance of Arabic. She emphasized the language's storied past, noting its role as the medium for classical poetry, Quranic revelation, and the artistic legacies of figures such as Umm Kulthum, Fairouz, and the classical poet Al-Mutanabbi.

"What a loss," Wawiyeh wrote, "when a language that built entire civilizations becomes merely a stage for verbal abuse rather than a forum for thoughtful exchange and mutual regard."

In her post, Wawiyeh argued that language serves as a reflection of one's character. "Someone blessed with a tongue of such eloquence has no business reducing it to mere insults," she stated, contending that words reveal the moral standing of those who speak them.

The accompanying video traced Arabic's trajectory through its most celebrated expressions. Wawiyeh cited classical poets including Hafez Ibrahim and Ahmed Shawqi, drawing on their verses to illustrate the language's capacity for profound artistic and intellectual communication.

Wawiyeh characterized Arabic as fundamentally "a language of poetry, literature, and eloquent expression," asserting it was never intended to serve as a vehicle for offensive remarks or moral degradation. She called on social media users to abandon insulting language and show proper respect for the tongue that carries the Quran and gives voice to humanity's greatest literary and philosophical achievements.

She concluded with a direct challenge to her audience: "Honor the language that bears the Qur'an and elevates humanity's finest poems, orations, and wisdom. Feel shame in your very being before you post words that lay bare your character before your language itself."