Coyote, Hollie, et al,
I wonder if this issue is really understood. In 2013, this was a big issue; but has since died down.
What a shame that the "Palestinian" Arab culture of hate teaches, nurtures and promotes such behavior.
Oddly, it doesn't seem confined to the "Palestinian Arab culture".
(REFERENCES)
(COMMENT)
In November of 2013, The Islamic Resistance Movement (HAMAS) introduced a substitute Textbook that emphasized what they believe are the important concepts they want the children growing up understanding.
The new HAMAS approved textbooks avoids certain topics like the Oslo Peace Accords. It suggests the the Torah and Talmud are fabricated stories. HAMAS suggests that the Jewish People and the Zionist are two different people; and that the Jewish people were destroyed in ancient times; while Zionists are racist invaders which are attempting to drive out all Arab out of the land from the Mediterranean Sea to the Iraq Border. And that the State of Israel does not exist.
Even in the US, there is a substantial segment of communities across the nation that believe local communities should be able to decide what to teach and what is important. The fact that there are --- national standards and additional state standards --- is evidence that the Federal Government does not have the trust and confidence in the state; and that the state does not have trust and confidence in the people to determine the proper curriculum. This is NOT a subject unique to the Palestinian State.
What is driving this effort on the side of HAMAS is the pledge under Article 15 of the Islamic Resistance Movement Covenant.
It is necessary that scientists, educators and teachers, information and media people, as well as the educated masses, especially the youth and sheikhs of the Islamic movements, should take part in the operation of awakening (the masses). It is important that basic changes be made in the school curriculum, to cleanse it of the traces of ideological invasion that affected it as a result of the orientalists and missionaries who infiltrated the region following the defeat of the Crusaders at the hands of Salah el-Din (Saladin).
While I believe that it is probably unhealthy for HAMAS to rewrite history this soon, and that HAMAS should not use school curriculum to transmit hostile Arab notions; I believe that it is their right to damage their children in any way they wish. This is what sovereignty is all about. Eventually, the speed of communications will be so rapid and so voluminous that these children will eventually learn the truth of the matter and come to their own conclusion. Hopefully, the revelation of the truth will change the confidence they hold in the leadership of HAMAS.
Most Respectfully,
R