Palestinian textbooks continue to promote antisemitism and glorify violence against Israelis, according to a recent study by the London-based research institute, IMPACT-se. The analysis of the Palestinian Authority’s 2025-2026 national school curriculum reveals that educational materials remain largely unchanged, contradicting commitments made to the European Union for reform.
The study, which reviewed approximately 290 textbooks and 71 teacher guides used in classrooms serving 1.3 million students, highlights that antisemitism remains a “central feature” of the curriculum. The materials depict Jews in a negative light, often as manipulative or corrupt adversaries of Islam.
One particularly alarming finding includes a 7th-grade teacher guide that describes violent acts, such as Israelis attacking Palestinian children. The guide instructs students to recreate these events through drawings, normalizing violence at an early age. Furthermore, individuals who commit violent acts against Israelis are celebrated as “martyrs,” setting a troubling example for youth.
Violence and Dehumanization in Education
The investigation revealed that even first-grade children are taught the Arabic word for “martyr” as one of their first spelling terms. A grade 12 textbook features a poem that urges students to reclaim Israeli cities, echoing sentiments similar to those expressed during the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel.
The curriculum systematically erases the existence of Israel, describing it as “incompatible with justice.” Maps and texts used in the classroom consistently dehumanize Israelis, portraying them in a negative light. The report states that even subjects like science, mathematics, and grammar include exercises designed to normalize violence and promote dehumanization.
This situation is particularly concerning given that last year, the Palestinian Authority signed an agreement with the European Union, its largest international funder, to eliminate hate-filled content from its educational materials. The U.S. administration has expressed similar demands, emphasizing the importance of educational reform in fostering peace.
International Reactions and Ongoing Controversies
Marcus Sheff, CEO of IMPACT-se, stated, “This comprehensive report exposes a stark and disturbing reality: virulent antisemitism, the glorification of jihad, and incitement to violence remain deeply embedded across all grades of Palestinian Authority textbooks.” He warned that without substantial intervention from the international community, the systematic indoctrination of Palestinians through extremist education is likely to persist.
In conjunction with the findings of this report, the Israeli Foreign Ministry reiterated concerns regarding the Palestinian Authority’s policy of financially supporting the families of Palestinian terrorists who kill Israelis, a practice commonly referred to as “pay for slay.” This policy has drawn criticism from various European nations, further complicating the diplomatic landscape.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry stated on social media platform X, “The Palestinian Authority has a policy of paying terrorists who kill Israelis. This policy is fundamentally an encouragement of terror. This morally corrupt behavior must end.”
As the debate continues over the educational practices within Palestinian territories, the implications of such curricula extend beyond classrooms, influencing societal attitudes and perceptions in a deeply polarized region. The findings of this study underscore the urgent need for international dialogue and action to address the ongoing challenges in Palestinian education.
