[israelTimes] Jordanian school textbooks continue to include antisemitic content, hostility toward Israel and the glorification of violent jihad, despite some limited improvements in areas such as religious tolerance and women’s representation, according to a report by educational monitoring organization IMPACT-se.
The study, examining 125 textbooks for the 2025-26 school year for K-12 students, finds that Jews are frequently portrayed through negative stereotypes and conspiratorial narratives.
One Grade 9 Islamic Education textbook describes “treachery and violation of agreements” as “traits of the Jews,” while other materials accuse Jews of using financial and political influence for harmful purposes.
The study also finds that Israel is routinely erased from maps and replaced with “Palestine,” while Zionism is described as a racist settler-colonial movement. Textbooks discussing the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel portray it as a response to Israeli oppression and primarily a military operation, while downplaying the atrocities committed.
The report noted some positive content promoting coexistence, particularly toward Christians, who are presented as an integral part of Jordanian society. Women are also increasingly depicted in professional and leadership roles.
However, violent interpretations of jihad and martyrdom remain prominent, including in new elementary-school materials, it finds.
The persistence of such themes is “especially alarming” given Jordan’s role as a Western ally and peace partner with Israel, says IMPACT-se CEO Marcus Sheff.
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