Figure 1.--

The Oslo Peace process involves a commitment to peace on both the Isreali and Palestinian side. The fighting since 1947 has created a great deal of mistrust and out right hatred on both sides. Thus the question of sincerity and commiment to peace arrives. Both sides say that the other side is insincere and unwilling to make peace. We do not have any way of evaluating what is in the heart of the leaders involved. Any assessment here will tend to be determined by the individuals overall attitude toward the conflict. We believe there is one way of assessing the commitment to peace of the two sides and that is what are they telling their children. This comes very close to telling us what is in the heart of the leaders involved. Here we can look at school books and other sources targeted at children. These are actual verifiable texts. And they exist from both Isreal and Palestine as well as from the wider Arab and Muslim world. For the Palestinians the Koran comes into play. So we also need to look at what the Koran says about Jews. Perhaps there are also pertinent Biblical passages.

Isrealis

We do not yet know how the Isreali-Palestinian conflict is taught in Isreali schools and to what extent Isreali children are taught about the paritioning of Palestine and the acceptability of a peaceful resolution. My general assessment is that the Isrealis fully accept partition and would like a peaceful resolution of the conflict. But I do not have sactual school materials yet. Another important question is to what extent there is discussion about the issues involved and to what extent dissident opinions are tolerated.

Palestinians

We do not yet have details on how the Isreali-Palestinian conflict is taught in the schools. Our general assessment is that almost all Palestinians believe that the U.N. 1947 Partiytion was an unjustice. It is less clear just how many Palestinians believe that despite this that they can live inpeace with the Isrealis. We note that many Palestinians beliee that this is not possible or acceptable. Just what the children are told in school we do not know. Nor do we know to what extent the issue of peace is discussed and if disident views are tolerated. We note reports of teachers being threatened about their dress. It is unclear how free acacademic discussion can take place in an atmosphere where gunmen threaten teachers and children. And it is important to know who controls the schools. Hamas, for example, when it took over Gaza also took over the schools. We have found some information about a Palestinian children's program Fanfur Mouse. Here the children are told that occupation has to be resisted, And by occupation they are referring to all of Palestine, not just the area assigned to Palestinian Arabs by the United Nations. Also important is what the Koran says as this is presented to children as the actual word of God.

Muslim Countries

Muslim countries vary as to their support of the Oslo peace process. Some governments support it. Others do not. Government pronouncements may or maynot reflect actual polict. In addition to the official policy of governments is public opinion in Muslim countries. What we wabnt to assess here is how the Isreali-Palestinian conflict is presented in the schools and if the children are encouraged to acceopt a peaceful resolution of the process. Here there are variations from country to country. Also important is what the Koran says as this is presented to children as the actual word of God.

Created: 7:53 AM 6/26/2007
Last updated: 3:45 PM 6/27/2007