Israel marks Arab culture month

JERUSALEM, May 20 (JTA) — A large book fair and heritage exhibition are two of the events taking place during Arab Culture Month, which kicked off on Sunday. The annual event, sponsored by the Ministry of Education, the Committee of Local Arab Councils and others interested in promoting Israeli Arab culture, is being held at the Beit Hagefen Arab-Jewish Culture Center in Haifa. The book fair, which is featuring books from Israel and Arab countries, will run through June 6. The heritage exhibition, displaying thousands of items of clothing, pottery and housewares, will close on May 31. An Arab folklore carnival is scheduled for Friday, and a national exhibition of Arab artists is slated for Sunday. There will be a marathon of Arab film from May 26 to 28. On June 17, a sculpture garden for peace and co-existence, featuring works by Israeli and Palestinian artists, will be inaugurated in the village of Kawkab Abu El Hija. Throughout the month, hundreds of cultural programs and events are scheduled in 35 towns and villages around the country.