Hungarian textbooks praised for comprehensive coverage of Jewish history and the Holocaust

A recent report by the international research institute IMPACT-se (Institute for Monitoring Peace and Cultural Tolerance in School Education) highlights that Hungary’s public school textbooks provide detailed coverage of Jewish history, the Holocaust, and the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.

According to the report, textbooks portray Jewish life and heritage positively, emphasising the historic connections between Judaism, Israel, and Hungary, as well as Jewish contributions to Hungarian society. Jewish communities are also integrated into national history, including participation in the 1848–49 Revolution.

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Holocaust education is described as extensive and empathetic, featuring survivor testimonies and primary sources. Antisemitism is examined with historical examples such as the Tiszaeszlár blood libel. Coverage of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict is reportedly balanced, presenting multiple perspectives and noting events such as the expulsion of Jews from Arab countries.

The report assessed textbooks against UNESCO-based standards for peace and tolerance and offers recommendations for further enhancing inclusive historical education. IMPACT-se CEO Marcus Sheff praised the curriculum for its “accurate and wholesome portrayal of Jewish life, both past and present.”