EGYPT: Egypt makes steps to improve relations with Jews and Christians

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EGYPT: Egypt makes steps to improve relations with Jews and Christians

Impact-se (20.12.2024) – Egypt recently reformed state-issued textbooks to remove antisemitic and anti-Christian content, marking a crucial step toward fostering a more inclusive society. Documented by IMPACTse, these changes include revising over 350 textbooks and eliminating content that vilifies Jews and Christians and promotes intolerance. 

In this updated review on the Egyptian general school curriculum, IMPACT-se examined textbooks for the current academic year (2023-24,) juxtaposing them with our analysis of textbooks published in previous years. A significant number of problematic examples flagged in IMPACT-se’s previous report have been removed or moderated. The report covers 350 textbooks, covering publications from 2018 to 2024. The report focuses on Humanities subjects, namely Arabic Language, Islamic and Christian Religious Education, Social Studies, Values and Respect for the Other, National Education and Civics, History, Geography, and Philosophy.

This is an encouraging updated report of over 250 pages highlighting Egypt’s progress in terms of civic education initiatives. However, some problematic narratives persist, such as minimizing the Holocaust or perpetuating harmful stereotypes, highlighting the need for ongoing reform. Partnering with NGOs will be essential to ensure these reforms will lead to lasting changes, offering hope for healing historical divisions.

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Executive Summary

Acknowledgements

Introduction

Main Findings

  • Peace and Tolerance
  • Infidels, Polytheists and Non-Muslims
  • Content Removed
  • Content Remaining
  • Altered Content
  • Christians and Jews
  • Removed Content
  • Commendable and Noteworthy Content
  • Jihad, Martyrdom and Religious Violence
  • Content Removed
  • Content Remaining
  • Commendable and Noteworthy Content
  • Gender
  • Content Remaining
  • Commendable and Noteworthy Content
  • Regional and Domestic Issues
  • Content Removed
  • Content Remaining
  • Commendable and Noteworthy Content
  • Israel and Zionism
  • Content Removed
  • Commendable and Noteworthy Content
  • Content Remaining
  • Methodology
  • List of Textbooks

Further reading about FORB in Egypt on HRWF website

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