A controversy has emerged at a New York City elementary school, PS 261 in Brooklyn, where a map labeled the “Arab World” has stirred accusations of “Jewish erasure.” The map, part of the Arab Culture Arts program at the school, has drawn criticism for excluding Israel and instead labeling it as Palestine. The map was manufactured by the Arab education company Ruman and showcases Islamic landmarks in countries across northern Africa and the Middle East.
Rita Lahoud, a Palestinian-American teacher in charge of the Arab Culture Arts program, uses the map in her classroom to teach students about the art and culture of the Arab world. The program is funded by Qatar Foundation International, the American arm of the Qatar Foundation, a nonprofit owned by Qatar’s ruling family.
Critics, including Tova Plaut, a New York City public school instructional coordinator, argue that the map is not only inaccurate but also perpetuates implicit bias by presenting a skewed representation of the region. Plaut, who is also the founder of the New York City Public Schools Alliance combating antisemitism, emphasizes the concern that such misinformation can shape children’s beliefs, which are harder to change than knowledge.
The controversy gained attention when Qatar Foundation International shared a photo of the map in a now-deleted post, expressing enthusiasm for “#Arabic classroom decorations.” However, some view the map as troubling, asserting that it fosters a distorted understanding of the geopolitical landscape among students.
City Hall responded promptly to the concerns, stating that the map was removed as soon as they were made aware of the issue. The mayoral spokesperson, Brad Weekes, emphasized the commitment to fostering a welcoming environment that supports all cultures and communities within New York City Public Schools.
Despite the removal of the map, questions persist about the Department of Education’s stance on the matter. The Department defended the map, explaining that it represents countries where Arabic is spoken. However, critics argue that the map’s labeling goes beyond linguistic representation and contributes to a biased narrative.
It has also been revealed that Qatar Foundation International donated over $1 million to the Department of Education between 2019 and 2022, supporting dual-language Arabic programs in Brooklyn schools. The details of how these funds were distributed remain unclear.
In 2021, Qatar Foundation International contributed over $275,000 to the Department of Education, and the figure increased to over $513,000 in 2022, though the specifics of fund distribution remain unclear.
The incident raises broader questions about the influence of external funding on educational content and the potential impact on students’ perceptions and understanding of global issues.
