The IMPACT-se review of Jordan’s 2025-2026 national curriculum argues that despite the introduction of 32 new textbooks, the curriculum continues to combine general messages of tolerance, coexistence, moderation, and respect with persistent problematic content, including anti-Semitic depictions of Jews, delegitimization and non-recognition of Israel, glorification of martyrdom and jihad in conflict contexts, and some discriminatory teachings on women and homosexuality. The report notes limited positive developments, such as inclusive portrayals of Christians, references to World War II crimes against Jews, and some moderation in language about October 7. Still, it concludes that these examples remain marginal and inconsistent, leaving the curriculum misaligned with UNESCO-derived standards for peace and tolerance.
The following is an executive summary of the report. For the full report, click here.
IMPACT-se’s May 2026 review examines 125 Jordanian textbooks taught in the 2025-2026 school year, covering Islamic Education, Arabic Language, Social Studies, National and Civic Education, History, and Geography. The report assesses the curriculum against international standards for peace and tolerance, emphasizing that Jordanian textbooks continue to promote broad principles of coexistence, religious moderation, cultural diversity, and human dignity, often grounded in Islamic sources and the 2004 Amman Message.
At the same time, the report finds that these values are not applied consistently across groups and contexts. Jews and Israel are repeatedly excluded from the curriculum’s tolerance framework. The report identifies anti-Semitic tropes portraying Jews as deceitful, treacherous, hostile to Islam, or associated with economic exploitation. At the same time, Israel is often erased from maps, framed as a colonial or illegitimate entity, and accused through inflammatory claims such as responsibility for the 1969 Al-Aqsa Mosque arson.
The report also highlights recurring glorification of jihad and martyrdom, especially in relation to Jordanian military history and conflict with Israel. Some newly introduced textbooks are said to romanticize death in battle and sacrifice for the homeland, including materials for young students that present martyrdom as a model of heroism.
On October 7 and the Israel-Hamas war, the report says one textbook presents the Hamas attack in relatively softened terms while placing heavier emphasis on Israeli actions in Gaza. It notes, however, that the latest version moderated some language compared with an earlier version, removing references to Israel as “the enemy” and no longer describing civilian casualties and hostages as “settlers.”
The curriculum receives more positive treatment in its presentation of Christians and Jordanian Christian heritage, which the report says are generally portrayed as integral to Jordanian society. The review also notes generally positive depictions of women’s participation and achievement, though some Islamic Education textbooks still contain patriarchal or discriminatory teachings. A small number of textbooks are also cited for homophobic content, including descriptions of homosexuality as a danger to humanity.
Overall, IMPACT-se concludes that while Jordan’s curriculum contains meaningful messages of moderation and coexistence, these are undermined by persistent anti-Semitism, one-sided treatment of Israel and the Arab-Israeli conflict, legitimizing or romanticizing violence, and inconsistent application of peace and tolerance standards.
Source: “IMPACT-se Report: Review of the National Jordanian 2025-2026,” IMPACT-se, (May 26, 2026).