Palestinian Education and the Debate Over Textbooks (CRS Report for Congress)
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| Release Date |
Revised March 7, 2006 |
| Report Number |
RL32886 |
| Report Type |
Report |
| Authors |
Aaron D. Pina, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
| Older Revisions |
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Summary:
Palestinian education reform is often seen as a key element in internal Palestinian reform and the Palestinian-Israeli peace process. Many analysts frequently have expressed concern that the Palestinian Authority (PA) education curriculum incites a younger generation of Palestinians to reject Israel, Judaism, and the achievement of peace in the region. Furthermore, some policymakers maintain that Palestinian education reform is important not only for Israeli-Palestinian peace, but also for broader U.S. interests in the region. From their perspective, a diverse, balanced curriculum may serve as a benchmark toward greater peace, democratization, and the development of a vibrant civil society in the Palestinian Territories. Concerns over PA textbooks often cite examples of anti-Jewish education materials and a lack of reference to or positive acknowledgment of the state of Israel. Overall, some analysts allege that PA textbooks spread a culture of violence, which prizes martyrdom and jihad (or struggle) over peace and recognition of Israel. Others contend that, although far from perfect, PA textbooks represent a step forward in the evolution and design of a school curriculum for Palestinians that is essential to the development of a national identity.
