IMPACT-se’s report reveals that Uzbekistan’s textbooks present a positive view of Judaism and recognize the Holocaust and Israel’s achievements. The study highlights the country’s efforts to promote tolerance and mutual respect among diverse communities, labeling Hamas and Hezbollah as radical organizations. Leaders from Ruderman Foundation and IMPACT-se praise Uzbekistan’s educational model for its commitment to moderation.
On Thursday, IMPACT-se, an international research institute located in Israel, published a comprehensive report that assesses the depiction of Jews, Judaism, Israel, and the Arab-Israeli conflict in the textbooks of Uzbekistan. This report marks the second installment in a series of three, focusing on Central Asian educational curricula in partnership with the Ruderman Family Foundation, which also investigates curricula in Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan.
The findings indicate that Uzbek textbooks furnish a positive and balanced perspective on Judaism, Jewish customs, and historical events. Importantly, they acknowledge the Holocaust and highlight Israel’s economic progress. Furthermore, the textbooks categorically identify Hamas and Hezbollah as “radical Islamist organizations.”
Dr. Zeev Levin, the principal investigator of the study, examined a total of 130 textbooks aligned with Uzbekistan’s national curriculum. He emphasized the nation’s dedication to fostering mutual respect and understanding among its diverse communities. The report illustrates Uzbekistan’s significant role in combating Islamism through its educational framework.
Jay Ruderman, the president of the Ruderman Family Foundation, commended the report for reflecting Uzbekistan’s firm commitment to tolerance, while Marcus Sheff, the CEO of IMPACT-se, pointed out that Uzbekistan’s educational model serves as a noteworthy example of moderation within the region.
In summary, the recent report by IMPACT-se reveals that Uzbekistan’s educational system actively promotes positive representations of Judaism and tolerance. Through a careful analysis of 130 national curriculum textbooks, the findings underscore the nation’s commitment to counteracting extremism and fostering understanding among various cultural communities. Uzbekistan stands as a potential model for educational moderation in Central Asia.
Original Source: www.clevelandjewishnews.com
