This special publication, produced in collaboration with INSS by IMPACT-se Head of Research Eldad Pardo and Research Associate Dr. Yonatan Negev, explores the portrayal of Jews and Israel in textbooks from Muslim and Arab countries across the Middle East, North Africa, Azerbaijan, and Indonesia. The depiction of Jews varies from negative stereotypes influenced by traditional and modern antisemitism, to occasional positive references acknowledging the respect given to the “Israelites” by the Prophet Muhammad. Israel is mostly portrayed negatively, especially in relation to the Palestinian conflict. Meanwhile, there is little mention of the Holocaust or the history of indigenous Jews in the region. While textbooks might be free from anti-Jewish content but still contain anti-Israel material, the reverse is not seen. The study also finds that countries which deviate from promoting a moderate and inclusive educational vision tend to include more delegitimizing rhetoric against Jews and Israel. Conversely, those striving for curricula that emphasize peace and tolerance often reduce radical discourse against Jews and Israel.
