United Nation Schools Prepare Arab Children For War

A shocking news conference was held on November 8, in Jerusalem revealing that United Nations Relief and Work Agency (UNRWA) which operates hundreds of schools for Arab refugees, is preparing their student body for war. Instead of promoting UNRWA’s official mantra “piece starts here”, the humanitarian organization is preaching war starts with UNRWA.

The briefing was hosted by the Center for Near East Policy and Research, who recently finished translating over two hundred PA school books that are currently in use throughout UNRWA schools. The books were translated by Dr. Arnon Groiss, who received his PhD in near eastern studies from Princeton University. He is also the former director of research for the Institute for Monitoring Peace and Cultural Tolerance in School Education. Speaking at the conference, Dr. Groiss said that the problematic books were produced by the Palestinian Authority itself, funded by UNRWA who spends half of its annual budget (approximately $600 million) on education.

The curriculum is built on a chief principle which is based on struggle and conflict. It was incorporated into the school system by Yasser Arafat when he took control of the educational system back in 1994.

The curriculum is comprised of three central components. Delegitimization, demonization, and indoctrination of hate and war toward Jews.

The Delegitimizing process is achieved by Portraying Israel as a European colonial occupier, driven by ambitious greed, whose sole intent is to take over and exploit. The books make no mention of any historical or religious connection between Jews and the land of Israel. Rather, Jews are depicted as a foreign occupier who came to rob and plunder the land’s rightful inhabitants. Sadly, the student is left with the skewed conclusion that Israel is illegitimate and does not have the basic right to exist.

By applying classical stereotype biases and blaming Israel for the Arabs day to day hardships such as unemployment, poverty, and in family rifts, the school books demonize Israel. Israel is also blamed for blatant human rights violations such as shooting young children and denying the Arabs of basic rights.

Unfortunately, instead of being taught to accept, tolerate, and peacefully coexist with their Jewish neighbors, students are indoctrinated to hate, despise and harm their Israeli counterpart.

To cite one of many examples, seventh grade students are taught a poem encouraging violence and martyrdom “by your life! I see my death….hearing weapons clash is pleasant to my ears, and the flow of blood gladdens my soul” (Our Beautiful Language, Grade 7, Pt. 1 p.97)

The books also put a strong emphasis on the “Right of return” through armed struggle to pre- 1948 Arab towns that do not exist anymore.
Performing “jihad”, holy war is openly praised and encouraged throughout the curriculum.

To cite one example, students in grade six are taught “Jihad comes first after worship” (our beautiful language Grade 6, pt. 1 p.46).

Also present at the conference was David Beiden, head of the center for Near East Policy Research. David headed a delegation to Washington in September demonstrating that the Unites states approved school books were in fact problematic and totally unacceptable. While presenting the disturbing evidence to members of congress, the state department put out a memo to all of their members saying that the books were reviewed and are totally fine. “The books are not fine, and now with the translation available we can all see it for ourselves” says David.


UNRWA was established in 1949 to aid Arab refugees who became displaced as a result of the 1948 war. A war which they themselves initiated. by the Arabs. As a branch of the UN it is expected of UNRWA to take responsibility and promote a peaceful solution to the conflict. Unfortunately, UNRWAS’s current educational system is perpetuating the conflict with no end in sight and is actively ensuring that it is passed on to the next generation.

.by: Eli B

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