Abstract: A comprehensive review of how Jewish life and anti-Jewish prejudice are portrayed in school materials.
Jewish communities have been integral to Europe’s social fabric for centuries, preserving rich religious and cultural traditions while facing recurring periods of exclusion, persecution, and resilience. School textbooks are important vantage points to understand how this history and heritage is represented, (de)constructed and embedded into a shared historical and cultural memory. They are also important practical tools used daily by students, teachers, and parents. This in-depth study looks into how anti-Jewish prejudice and Jewish culture, history and life are portrayed in secondary education materials in eight European countries. It identifies curricular entry points for teaching about Jewish experiences and antisemitism, analyses how these topics are integrated into textbooks, and explores the narratives and representations that emerge. The findings highlight both recurring stereotypes and promising practices. By showcasing these contrasts, the study provides targeted recommendations to guide the creation of more inclusive educational materials. It aims to ensure that representations of Jews, Judaism, and antisemitism convey the diversity, richness, and complexity of Jewish life while helping students critically engage with prejudice in historical and contemporary contexts
