Uzbekistan’s Textbooks Promote Tolerance and Jewish History, New Report Reveals

IMPACT-se’s recent report analyzes Uzbekistan’s textbooks, revealing a positive portrayal of Judaism and Jewish history. The study, part of a series on Central Asian curricula, indicates a national commitment to fostering tolerance and understanding. Textbooks thank Israel’s economic accomplishments and designate Hamas and Hezbollah as radical organizations. The report highlights Uzbekistan’s role in countering extremism through education.

A recent report by IMPACT-se, an international research institute based in Israel, highlights the portrayal of Jews and Judaism in Uzbekistan’s textbooks. This study is the second installment of a comprehensive three-part series focusing on educational curricula in Central Asia, conducted in collaboration with the Ruderman Family Foundation, which includes findings about Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan.

The findings reveal that Uzbek educational materials present a favorable and nuanced perspective on Judaism, emphasizing Jewish practices and history. Notably, the textbooks recognize the Holocaust and appreciate Israel’s economic progress, contributing to a more informed understanding of the Jewish experience.

Furthermore, the textbooks categorize Hamas and Hezbollah as “radical Islamist organizations.” Dr. Zeev Levin, who spearheaded the study, evaluated 130 textbooks within Uzbekistan’s national curriculum, highlighting the state’s initiatives to foster respect and understanding among its diverse demographic.

Jay Ruderman, president of the Ruderman Family Foundation, commended the report for reflecting Uzbekistan’s dedication to promoting tolerance. Meanwhile, Marcus Sheff, CEO of IMPACT-se, pointed out that Uzbekistan’s educational framework serves as an important example of moderation within the region.

This report underscores Uzbekistan’s educational commitment to fostering tolerance and understanding of diverse histories, including Judaism. Through the balanced portrayal of Jewish history and clear condemnation of radical organizations, the country demonstrates a deliberate effort to promote respect among its diverse communities. The findings suggest an educational model that could serve as a notable example within the region.

Original Source: www.clevelandjewishnews.com