“To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often”: No more 'monkeys' and 'pigs' - Anti-Israeli content has been removed from textbooks in Saudi Arabia, Revolution by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is reflected in the education system

Saudi Arabia is witnessing a remarkable transformation under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and this change is also evident in the country's education system. Recent research reveals that the Saudi government has taken steps to remove anti-Israeli and antisemitic content from textbooks.
|
Among the significant changes are the removal of derogatory references to Jews, such as labeling them as monkeys, pigs, and traitors to Islam. Anti-Israeli materials, including reports on conspiracies and Zionist strategies, have also been eliminated. These changes reflect a commitment to promoting tolerance and peace.
A comprehensive study conducted by the international research and policy institute IMPACT-se in London analyzed the Saudi curriculum changes over the past year in comparison to the previous five years. The research focused on 301 textbooks published by the Saudi Ministry of Education. The findings demonstrate a consistent trend of positive changes, not only in addressing anti-Israeli and anti-Semitic content but also in addressing gender issues and opposing extremist groups like Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed Houthis, and the Muslim Brotherhood. The textbooks now feature more inclusive and tolerant content.
IMPACT-se is an institute that examines and analyzes the contents of textbooks worldwide, aiming to promote peace and tolerance according to UNESCO's standards. Their research confirmed the substantial improvements made by Saudi Arabia.
|
The most significant change is observed in the removal of almost all instances of antisemitism from the textbooks. For example, a song opposing Jewish settlement in Palestine was deleted, and a task challenging Zionist claims about their connection to Palestine was also removed. A high school history book no longer presents a lesson on the positive outcomes of the first intifada or refers to Israel as a "fraudulent democracy." False accusations against Israel, such as the blood libel concerning the Al-Aqsa Mosque, have been removed as well. Similarly, the claim that Israel initiated the Six-Day War to control holy sites and oil wells has been omitted.
While there have been moderations in the terminology used regarding Israel, the textbooks still do not officially recognize the country, and the Holocaust is not included in the curriculum. Maps continue to exclude Israel's existence and fail to mention its name. Zionism is still described as a European colonial and racist movement, and the term "Zionist entity" persists in some instances.
Marcus Sheff, CEO of IMPACT-se, emphasized the significance of textbook reforms in Saudi Arabia as the country is a leading figure in the Sunni branch of Islam. He acknowledged the importance of every reform effort. Eric Agassi, Vice President of IMPACT-se, commended Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's courageous and unprecedented changes, emphasizing their global impact. Saudi Arabia's textbooks are distributed to Muslim communities worldwide, reaching millions of students in mosques and other educational settings.
The ongoing reforms in Saudi Arabia's textbooks signify a positive shift towards a more inclusive, tolerant, and peaceful future. These changes have the potential to shape attitudes and foster greater understanding among the younger generation, not only within Saudi Arabia but also globally.
Support Us
Satyagraha was born from the heart of our land, with an undying aim to unveil the true essence of Bharat. It seeks to illuminate the hidden tales of our valiant freedom fighters and the rich chronicles that haven't yet sung their complete melody in the mainstream.
While platforms like NDTV and 'The Wire' effortlessly garner funds under the banner of safeguarding democracy, we at Satyagraha walk a different path. Our strength and resonance come from you. In this journey to weave a stronger Bharat, every little contribution amplifies our voice. Let's come together, contribute as you can, and champion the true spirit of our nation.
![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
ICICI Bank of Satyaagrah | Razorpay Bank of Satyaagrah | PayPal Bank of Satyaagrah - For International Payments |
If all above doesn't work, then try the LINK below:
Please share the article on other platforms
DISCLAIMER: The author is solely responsible for the views expressed in this article. The author carries the responsibility for citing and/or licensing of images utilized within the text. The website also frequently uses non-commercial images for representational purposes only in line with the article. We are not responsible for the authenticity of such images. If some images have a copyright issue, we request the person/entity to contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we will take the necessary actions to resolve the issue.
Related Articles
- Facing an economic crisis Nationalist Pakistanis are loathing Saudi Arabia, and they have solutions for all the obstacles: Nukes and opium
- Independent investigative journalism page ‘The Hawk Eye’ reveals professional propaganda and social media campaign by Turkey-based organisation for Twitter storm over anti-India remarks alleging blasphemy against Prophet Muhammad
- “Bharat se Ghenhu nehi mangayega UAE”: Amid global crisis due to Russia-Ukraine war, UAE suspends re-export of wheat imported from India for food security, Low IQ Islamists rejoice after NDTV said UAE will not import wheat from India
- “It’s not the destination, it's the journey”: India becomes 2nd-largest country with the biggest road network after beating China with total road network of 63.32 lakh km comprising all categories - national & state highways and urban & rural roads
- "Art of medicine consists of amusing the patient while nature cures the disease”: Brazilian doctor Giovanni Quintella Bezerra caught on camera orally raping a woman during a C-section, also reported that he did same thing to 2 other mothers the same day
- Operation Tupac is up and running by ISI of Pakistan in collaboration with Foreign-based organisations to lobby against India on global forums: Disinfo Lab report reveals Fascism, Genocide and Islamophobia used as a keyword
- "Do I not destroy my enemies when I make them my friends?": EAM S Jaishankar destroyed the US with his statements and took a dig at American media, “I look at the media. You know, there are some newspapers you know, exactly, what they are going to write'
- State of Qatar summons Indian Ambassador over ‘blasphemous’ comments on Prophet by BJP leaders, demands public apology from Indian govt: Warns, "this may lead to further marginalization creating cycle of violence and hate"
- Muslim fundamentalists are not afraid of the Supreme Court of Pakistan and the government, demolished famous Hinglaj Mata Mandir in Pakistan: 11th attack in 22 months by religious fanatics
- Gandhi-scion Rahul Gandhi in London promotes anarchy, calls for “mass action” against the Indian state that has been captured: Mirrors Left's playbook, says 'necessary to free the institutions that are controlled by RSS'
- 'Eradicate filthy, cow-worshipping Hindus”, says Palestinian Islamic scholar: Vicious rhetoric in Muslim world on pretext of ‘blasphemy’ charges against Nupur Sharma morphed into open hate speech and genocidal calls against Hindus
- Israeli operation in Jenin that resulted in death of a 17-year-old Palestinian boy Amjad al-Fayed by Israeli forces was a member of Palestinian Islamic Jihad group, had fought Israeli forces
- Supported the United States-led ‘war on terror’ in Afghanistan for ‘dollars’ and not in “public interest”: PM Imran Khan regrets
- "Past lessons, future cautions": As global leaders dance delicately with nuclear words, the looming shadow of today's 'mushroom cloud' is a power beyond imagination, Modern hydrogen bombs bear a potency that could overshadow Hiroshima's dark past
- Princess Diana's famous 1995 interview was secured through deceit by BBC Journalist: BBC apologises