مجلة جامعة الزيتونة الدولية للنشر العلمي مجلة علمية، محكمة، شهرية، مفتوحة الوصول
Abstract
This study examines the representation of Arabs in Hebrew educational materials used in Israeli high schools, mainly focusing on textbooks approved by the Israeli Ministry of Education. The analysis is heavily influenced by Orientalism, Zionism, and the dominant Israeli-Jewish mentality. Drawing on Edward Said’s concept of Orientalism, which critiques the Western depiction of Eastern cultures as inferior and irrational (Said, 1978), the study reveals how these textbooks continue negative stereotypes about Arabs. These illustrations reinforce the Zionist narrative, which often justifies the displacement and marginalization of Palestinian Arabs by emphasizing Jewish historical ties to the land and portraying Arabs as violent and irrational obstacles to the Jewish state’s survival (Masalha, 1997; Podeh, 2000).
The research further explores the integration of themes related to politics, individual freedoms, community service, and Jewish identity within English language education. These themes are analyzed to understand their role in promoting a cohesive national identity and reinforcing specific ideological perspectives. The study draws on interdisciplinary perspectives, incorporating insights from sociology, political science, and cultural studies, to comprehensively analyze how these educational materials shape societal attitudes and perceptions in Israel (Bar-Tal & Teichman, 2005; Al-Haj, 2005).
By examining these dynamics, the study aims to illuminate the broader implications for education and societal perceptions in Israel. The findings underscore the need for a more balanced and inclusive representation in educational materials to foster mutual understanding and resolution between Jewish and Arab populations (Apple & Christian-Smith, 1991; Berghan & Schissler, 1988). The study concludes with recommendations for revising textbooks to promote a more inclusive education system that accurately represents the history and contributions of all groups within Israeli society (Jacobmeyer, 1990).Keywords: Arabs, Hebrew education, Israel, Orientalism, Zionism, high school textbooks, English language education, stereotypes, Jewish identity, societal percept.
By:
Areen Jabarin ,
Nuran Igbaria
كلية الدراسات العليا – مسار تعلم وتعليم – قسم اللغة الإنكليزية – جامعة النجاح الوطنية – نابلس
