When a famous Argentinian actor who starred in an immensely popular Spanish-language soap opera became a new immigrant in Israel, people took note. 
Among them were officials at the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) in Israel.  The JDC is an overseas partner agency of United Jewish Communities (UJC) and the Jewish Federations of North America.

JDC officials learned from a Jerusalem newspaper that the actor, known to his fans as Ignacio from the show Chiquititas, lives in an absorption center in Ranaana.

"It wasn't bad for me in Argentina," said the actor. "But something was missing. I have had strong feelings as a Jew, tied to the history of the Jewish people, to Jewish theater, and it was clear that at some point I would come to Israel."

JDC officials decided to establish a course for Argentinian immigrants in Israel, instructing them how to teach Spanish to Israelis using soap operas as a learning tool.  The course includes instruction in business skills to provide the immigrants with knowledge to open their own businesses.

"Soap operas are a craze in Israel," said the senior program manager for employment and entrepreneurial projects at JDC-Israel.  "Everybody watches them. Teenage boys and retired women alike are trying to learn Spanish so they can understand their favorite soap. People are excited - the new immigrants at the prospect of becoming self-sufficient, and Israelis, at the thought of learning Spanish in a fun way."

The frivolity of telenovellas, or Argentinian soap operas, is being transformed into a livelihood for immigrants, and Spanish proficiency for their students. Once trained, JDC officials noted, thousands of Israelis will be forever grateful to their new immigrant instructors for helping them better understand their television heroes.