Egypt's School Curriculum Reform Promotes Positive View of Israel

In a significant step towards promoting peace and tolerance, Egypt has reformed its school curriculum to reflect a more positive representation of Israel and foster peaceful coexistence. According to a report published by the Institute for Monitoring Peace and Cultural Tolerance in School Education (IMPACT-SE) in December, the revised curriculum aims to remove negative stereotypes and encourage peaceful dialogue.

Based on a study of 350 textbooks from Egypt's 2023-24 academic year, the research highlights key changes, particularly in humanity subjects. Over 80% of Egyptian elementary school students are now using revised textbooks that emphasize peace, reject extremism, and promote harmony between different cultures and religions.

One of the major changes identified in the report is the removal of anti-Israel statements from textbooks for younger students. The new curriculum encourages students to understand the benefits of peace between Egypt and Israel, and ninth-grade social studies students are now required to memorize the historic Israel-Egypt peace treaty. They are also taught the "advantages of peace for Egypt and the Arab states."

The curriculum features a photograph of former Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin and Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, highlighting their role in reconciliation and diplomatic cooperation. These changes are part of a broader effort to promote peace and mutual understanding in the region.

The revised textbooks also focus on removing antisemitic content. Previous textbooks that included negative stereotypes about Jews, such as portraying them as “treacherous” or dishonest, have been replaced with more inclusive lessons. For instance, a Grade 5 Islamic Education exercise now promotes respect for Jews and other minorities, emphasizing tolerance and coexistence based on Islamic teachings.

The revised curriculum even acknowledges the historical and religious connection of Jews to Jerusalem. Christian education textbooks now include references to the Jewish temple built by King Solomon in Jerusalem, marking another step towards acknowledging the shared history of Jews and Muslims in the region.

While the changes are significant, IMPACT-SE notes that the textbooks for higher grades still contain some anti-Israel sentiments. The institute remains hopeful that further revisions will be made to address these inconsistencies.

IMPACT-SE CEO Marcus Sheff expressed optimism about the reform efforts, particularly in a country with a long-standing peace agreement with Israel. “These changes in the most populous Arab country with a landmark peace agreement with Israel are of real importance to the region’s future,” he said.