Abstract
This lecture delves into the intricate historical duality of situating Mizrahim as mediators, translators, and go-betweens operating on the borderlines between Jews and Arabs, as well as Hebrew and Arabic. It explores how this role was perceived as “bridging” the two cultures and national identities while still maintaining clear lines of separation. Mizrahim were expected to support the Jewish national struggle as translators and interpreters, yet they were also viewed as a threat for potentially mixing with Arab-Palestinians, crossing linguistic, social, and cultural boundaries. This led to suspicions of dual loyalties, accusations of treason, and fears of cultural assimilation.