Irish leader seeks access to examination over claims of anti-Semitic content in school textbooks within Ireland
In late 2024, the Israeli educational watchdog, IMPACT-se, published a report accusing Irish school textbooks of promoting anti-Semitic stereotypes or perspectives[1]. However, the Irish government has publicly disagreed with the report's conclusions[1].
The report raised concerns about the portrayal of Jewish people and the Holocaust in Irish schoolbooks, suggesting that some material may trivialise and minimise the horrific events of the Holocaust[1]. It also claimed that many narratives in the schoolbooks question the legitimacy of the state of Israel and undermine Jewish claims to indigeneity in the land[1].
The report analysed primary and post-primary textbooks, focusing on history and religious education[1]. Marcus Sheff, the chief executive of IMPACT-se, stated that the report's findings indicate that the Irish Jewish community feels increasingly worried and unsafe[1].
Maurice Cohen, chair of the Jewish Representative Council, sought a meeting with the Department of Education due to concerns from parents about offensive material in schoolbooks[1]. However, Cohen stated that he was promised a call within four days for a meeting, but the call never came[1].
The Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, has requested a copy of the report on alleged anti-Semitism in Irish schoolbooks[4]. Following the release of the report, the Irish Prime Minister requested to review the report, indicating official governmental attention to the issue as of late July 2025[4].
The report criticised Irish publishers Educate.ie, Edco, Gill Education, and Veritas for problematic representations in their schoolbooks[1]. For instance, the Veritas' Leaving Certificate religious education book is problematic, according to the report, because it labels the Auschwitz concentration camp by name only, and not as a "Death Camp." The report alleges that Auschwitz was misleadingly referred to as a "prisoner of war camp," failing to acknowledge its role as a death camp where mass extermination occurred[1].
The report also criticised the Educate.ie's junior cycle religious education textbook, Inspire - Wisdom for the world, for implying that Judaism supports violence and war to achieve justice[1]. Discussions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict often lack historical and political context, presenting a one-sided view that frames Israel as the sole aggressor, according to the report[1].
The curriculum for students in Ireland is determined by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA), and the Department of Education has no role in the content of textbooks, according to a spokesman[1]. As of July 2025, there is no public detailed educational institution response beyond the government's stance on the matter[1][4]. The government appears cautious or dismissive of the IMPACT-se claims, but the Taoiseach’s request to see the report suggests an openness to review the concerns raised[4].
In sum, the current status of allegations regarding the promotion of anti-Semitism in Irish schoolbooks is that the Irish government has officially disagreed with the report's findings but the Taoiseach asked to review the report in July 2025[1][4]. No public detailed educational institution response beyond the governmental stance was found. The context of rising antisemitism in Ireland linked to historical and political factors is noted, but this is separate from specific textbook content accusations[1].
- The report on education and self-development, highlighting faults in Irish schoolbooks, has sparked a debate in the arena of politics, particularly concerning policy and legislation related to learning materials.
- As the Irish government and educational institutions grapple with the implications of the controversial report, policymakers and journalists alike are closely following the general news on the situation, awaiting further responses and solutions.
