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.