Saudi Arabia, in what can be interpreted as a cautious step towards modernization and potential normalization with Israel, has revised its educational curriculum, significantly altering the portrayal of Jews, Christians, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This change comes amidst a broader recalibration of the Kingdom’s stance on various religious and political issues.

The Israel- and London-based Institute for Monitoring Peace and Cultural Tolerance in School Education (IMPACT-se) reports a notable moderation of content in Saudi textbooks. Negative depictions of Christians and Jews are now largely excised, alongside a softened rhetoric towards Israel. The Saudi textbooks from the 2022-23 curriculum have stopped identifying Jews and Christians as “enemies of Islam,” a stark departure from previous narratives which accused them of “destroying and distorting” religious texts.

Even the approach to Israel and Palestinians shows change, as explicit references to “the Israeli enemy” or “the Zionist enemy” have been replaced with terms like “the Israeli occupation” or “the Israeli occupation army,” although there remains no mention of the Holocaust, and Israel is still omitted from maps. It’s worth noting that the curriculum has also eliminated a chapter focused on the Palestinian cause, indicating a significant shift in the educational narrative.

The revised content reflects a broader push by Saudi Arabia to combat extremism, evidenced by newly included criticisms of Islamist groups such as Hezbollah, ISIS, al Qaeda, and Houthi militias. This move aligns with Saudi Arabia’s endeavor to project an image of a modern, forward-thinking nation, seeking to dissociate itself from religious fanaticism and align with global expectations post-9/11, when it was scrutinized for the nationality of the majority of the attackers.

Experts see this as a strategic pivot away from religious-based legitimacy towards a more secular form of nationalism, enabling the Kingdom to gain greater strategic flexibility in its geopolitical endeavors. Kristin Diwan, a senior scholar at the Gulf States Institute in Washington, observes that this language transition facilitates “the easing of religious language denigrating Shiism, Judaism, and Christianity” and may be incrementally preparing Saudi Arabia for a political decision on Israel normalization.

The educational modifications come amidst the Joe Biden administration’s push for Saudi Arabia to follow suit in the wake of the Abraham Accords, which saw four Arab nations recognize Israel. Despite these signals, normalization remains contentious among Arab publics, with only 5% of Saudis supporting such a move, according to an opinion poll by the Arab Center Washington DC.

While Saudi Arabia has opened its airspace to Israeli airlines, it insists on the establishment of a Palestinian state before formal normalization. The Kingdom’s gradual yet evident textbook revisions point to a shift in its relationship with Islam towards moderation and tolerance. As Aziz Alghashian, a researcher on Saudi-Israeli ties, notes, it may take time for Saudi Arabia to make a complete transition in its stance on Israel.

The changing narrative in Saudi educational materials arrives alongside an intensification of regional tensions, exemplified by the Maldives’ recent decision to bar Israeli passport holders in solidarity with Palestine, highlighting the continued complexity and divisiveness of Middle Eastern politics.

Analysts agree, however, that societal attitudes toward Israel will be influenced by a multitude of factors beyond textbooks, including media, global events, and personal experiences. Nevertheless, Saudi Arabia’s textbook revisions signal a critical, if cautious, step towards fostering an environment where peace and tolerance are emphasized over conflict and division, reflecting a larger transformation in the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.

Relevant articles:
– Saudi Arabia is quietly changing its textbooks. Could that lead to acceptance of Israel?, CNN
– The 13 countries where Israeli tourists aren’t allowed, express.co.uk
– Pointing to Normalization, Saudi Arabia Quietly Scrubs Antisemitism, Anti, Algemeiner.com