Uzbekistan’s Textbooks Emphasize Tolerance and Jewish History

IMPACT-se’s report highlights that Uzbekistan’s textbooks depict Judaism positively, acknowledge the Holocaust, and classify Hamas and Hezbollah as radical organizations. The study, a collaboration with the Ruderman Family Foundation, reveals Uzbekistan’s commitment to tolerance and moderation through its educational system, emphasizing mutual respect among communities.

On Thursday, IMPACT-se, an international research institute based in Israel, published a report analyzing the representation of Jews, Judaism, Israel, and the Arab-Israeli conflict in Uzbekistan’s educational materials. This report is the second installment in a three-part series examining the curricula of Central Asian nations, in partnership with the Ruderman Family Foundation, which also assesses the textbooks of Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan.

The study indicates that Uzbek textbooks offer a favorable and nuanced perspective of Judaism, its traditions, and historical context. The materials notably include references to the Holocaust and recognize Israel’s economic successes. Furthermore, the textbooks categorize Hamas and Hezbollah as “radical Islamist organizations.”

Dr. Zeev Levin, who led the research, evaluated 130 textbooks from Uzbekistan’s national curriculum and highlighted the country’s initiatives to foster mutual respect among its diverse population. The report underscores Uzbekistan’s proactive stance against Islamism through its educational framework.

Jay Ruderman, the president of the Ruderman Family Foundation, commended the report for showcasing Uzbekistan’s dedication to promoting tolerance. Meanwhile, Marcus Sheff, the CEO of IMPACT-se, emphasized that Uzbekistan’s educational model is a noteworthy example of moderation within the region.

In summary, the report by IMPACT-se reveals that Uzbekistan’s textbooks portray Judaism and Jewish history positively while promoting values of tolerance and understanding among different communities. The recognition of significant historical events and critical views on radical organizations further indicate Uzbekistan’s commitment to a balanced curriculum aimed at countering extremism. This educational approach serves as an integral model for fostering moderation in the region.

Original Source: www.clevelandjewishnews.com