Saudi Arabia Removes Antisemitic Content from Textbooks to Promote Peace and Coexistence

A recent study by the London-based research institute IMPACT-se reveals that Saudi Arabia's school curriculum for the 2025-2026 academic year no longer includes antisemitic content. The review of 136 textbooks highlights ongoing reforms aimed at reducing intolerant material and promoting peace and coexistence. The updated textbooks now present positive models of interfaith relations, including references to the Prophet Muhammad’s respectful treatment of non-Muslims and his peace agreements with Jews and Christians.

For example, a seventh-grade textbook no longer describes followers of other religions as defective animals, and eleventh-grade books have removed statements such as "Muslims will never give up Jerusalem." Additionally, the textbooks explicitly prohibit harm to civilians during wartime. These educational changes coincide with Saudi Arabia’s efforts to reach a peace agreement with Israel during the remaining period of the Trump administration.

The curriculum also emphasizes loyalty to King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, while explicitly condemning extremist groups like ISIS, Al-Qaeda, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. These reforms reflect a broader shift in Saudi Arabia’s approach to education and regional diplomacy.