“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
- “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
- 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
- "The true mystery of the world is the visible, not the invisible": Saudi sisters Asra Abdullah Alsehli and Amaal Abdullah Alsehli found dead in Sydney, had earlier ‘claimed asylum for sexuality and religion – but were denied’ for the lack of evidence
- China's 39 Air Force aircraft breached the air defence zone of Taiwan on Sunday as the largest incursion in Taiwanese territory since Oct 2021: Aggression of Communist regime continues
- "No amount of evidence will ever persuade an idiot": US spokesperson rebuffed Paki Journalist talking about BBC documentary, stated unfamiliar with documentary, but is familiar with vibrant democracy of India, and both US & India shared democratic values
- Amid deteriorating India-Canada relations, EAM Jaishankar underscores the paramountcy of diplomat safety in Canada, citing violations of the Vienna Convention, emphasizes potential visa resumption contingent on diplomats' safety assurance in Ottawa
- “Segregation has been allowed to go so far that we have parallel societies in Sweden, the integration of immigrants has failed”, Sweden’s Prime Minister acknowledges amidst rising street-gang violence
- 'In Trump I Trust': Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago home raided, horde of angry supporters descends there in the hours following shock FBI raid of ex-president's Florida club, investigation focused on material that Trump took with him while leaving White House
- "We think we’ve won when actually we’re losing. Badly": Next Generation of Jihad Suicide Bombers is being trained at an Islamic School in Houston, children in Texas singing lines such as “I make an oath…one day when you need me, I will be your martyr”
- "तेरा यहाँ कोई नहीं": Bangladesh following Pakistan's dangerous path sentenced a Hindu girl Tithy Sarkar to 5 years in prison for alleged blasphemy, igniting outrage & raising serious concerns about escalating religious intolerance against Hindu minority
- Former Prime Minister of Japan Abe Shinzo shot from behind by a miscreant while delivering a speech in the city of Nara, airlifted in critical condition, arrested suspect identified as Yamagami Tetsuya in his 40s, weapon was a sawed-off shotgun
- Qatari society’s ideological underpinnings in Ummah Brotherhood: Sneak peek into Qatar's flirts and interactions with terror organisations, dealings with extremist militia and funding to Islamist groups in India to fan Wahabism
- "New dynamism in ties": In Jakarta, PM Modi calls for a new rules-based order in the post-Covid era, emphasizing the critical role of the ASEAN-India partnership in shaping the resurgence of Asia in the 21st century and fostering global growth
- Ten most compelling evidence of Extraterrestrial existence from 2020