The Israelization of East Jerusalem schools is narrowing gaps – but not inequality
The shift to the Israeli curriculum can narrow gaps and open opportunities for Palestinian students. But deeper integration also exposes the contradiction of a city where hundreds of thousands live under Israeli rule without citizenship
Israel has imposed its curriculum on over 45,000 Palestinian students in East Jerusalem, as part of a broader crackdown on education in the occupied area. This decision, which represents a significant increase from recent years, affects around 38 percent of all Palestinian students and includes all new first-grade and seventh-grade classes opening in the state education system.
The Palestinian Authority's Jerusalem Governorate spokesperson, Maarouf al-Rifai, condemned the move as a dangerous escalation and a direct attack on the Palestinian national and cultural identity. Al-Rifai stated that the imposition of the Israeli curriculum was particularly dangerous due to the marginalization of fundamental topics regarding the Palestinian narrative and history, such as the Nakba, prisoners, and Jerusalem.
The move comes as far-right national security minister Itamar Ben Gvir plans to distribute a children's book celebrating his "achievements" to Israeli education institutions, further fueling tensions in the region.
Brief written by urgent.news from Middle East Eye's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
