(Washington, D.C., April 28, 2021)–B’nai B’rith International President Charles O. Kaufman and CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin have issued the following statement:   
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We commend the European Parliament for passing a resolution demanding transparency in the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) curricula taught in Palestinian schools. Current curricula and textbooks used by UNRWA are filled with hatred toward Jews and Israel and incite violence.

The resolution demands that “UNRWA acts in full transparency and publishes in an open-source platform all its educational materials for teachers and students, as well as its reviews of host country textbooks used to ensure that content adheres to U.N. values and does not encourage hatred.” It states that EU funding should be conditional on UNRWA complying with the UNESCO “standards of peace, tolerance, coexistence and nonviolence.” 

​We strongly support this sentiment. 

Earlier this month, B’nai B’rith, along with other Jewish organizations, urged members of Congress to sign a letter to the U.N. Secretary General also asking for increased transparency and accountability over UNRWA curricula.  

The resolution is an important step in holding UNRWA accountable and sends a message that the presence of hatred against Jews and violent speech in its educational materials will not be tolerated. We urge other multilateral organizations and countries to follow in the European Parliament’s footsteps. 

B’nai B’rith International has advocated for global Jewry and championed the cause of human rights since 1843. B’nai B’rith is recognized as a vital voice in promoting Jewish unity and continuity, a staunch defender of the State of Israel, a tireless advocate on behalf of senior citizens and a leader in disaster relief. With a presence around the world, we are the Global Voice of the Jewish Community. Visit bnaibrith.org.