IMPACT-se, an international research institute, based in Israel, released a report on Thursday analyzing the portrayal of Jews, Judaism, Israel and the Arab-Israeli conflict in Uzbekistan’s textbooks.
This is the second of a three-part series examining Central Asian curricula, in collaboration with the Ruderman Family Foundation, which also covers Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan.
The study reveals that Uzbek textbooks provide a positive and balanced view of Judaism, Jewish practices and history, including the recognition of the Holocaust and Israel’s economic achievements.
Textbooks also label Hamas and Hezbollah as “radical Islamist organizations.”
Dr. Zeev Levin, who led the study, analyzed 130 textbooks in Uzbekistan’s national curriculum, noting the country’s efforts to promote mutual respect and understanding among its diverse communities. The report highlights Uzbekistan’s role in countering Islamism through its education system.
Jay Ruderman, president of the Ruderman Family Foundation, praised the report for demonstrating Uzbekistan’s commitment to tolerance, while IMPACT-se CEO Marcus Sheff underscored the country’s educational model as a significant example of moderation in the region.
