Scottish educators defy pro-Israel pressure, vow to teach Gaza genocide

A group of Scottish educators advocating for peace in the occupied Palestinian territories has dismissed allegations made by a pro-Israel lobby group, affirming its dedication to teaching about Palestine and the genocidal war in Gaza based on evidence and international conventions. 

Educators for Peace (EfP) refuted what it defined as endeavors by UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI) to intimidate instructors and curtail their scholarly freedom.

The campaign group’s stance was taken following the submission of a 50-page legal dossier by the pro-Israel organization to the Scottish government, local authorities, and various educational institutions, in which they accused EfP of incorporating what they termed “politically biased” content into schools and utilizing educational resources they labeled as “anti-Israel.”

In response, the group published an open letter appealing to educators and academics to unite in support of its cause.

It asserted that the claims against it stemmed from a distortion of its viewpoints and a mischaracterization of the educational resources it provides, which are designed to promote the ideals of peace, justice, and human rights.

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The case garnered significant media coverage in Britain following the publication of two reports by the daily national newspaper The Times, which were based on the claims made by the organization.

One report examined allegations regarding efforts to sway students in educational institutions, while the other highlighted the criticism directed at the group’s co-founder, Sarah al-Owaisi, for her involvement in the opening of the Scottish Parliament at the request of a Green Party legislator.

The report characterized the invitation as an indication of the group's increasing influence in both educational and political spheres.

In a formal statement, EfP dismissed all allegations, emphasizing that its activities do not contravene the principle of professional neutrality. Instead, it asserted that its approach is grounded in fact- and evidence-based education.

The group stated that integrity in the presentation of information is distinct from a type of neutrality that equates verified facts with unsubstantiated claims.

It noted that throughout the previous year, training sessions were conducted for educators focusing on the principle of neutrality in education and its connection to teachers' duty to advocate for social justice.

It further highlighted that these discussions are included in the professional development initiatives for educational personnel.

The group said educating on major historical events, including the genocides in Rwanda and Srebrenica, is evidence-based and does not necessitate attributing equal credibility to the narratives of the perpetrators. It stated that this same principle should also be applied when educating about Israel’s war on Gaza.

Educators for Peace referenced the conclusions of the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry, which declared in September 2025 that there were sufficient grounds to believe Israel had engaged in actions constituting genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

The group stated that educators are entitled to depend on the conclusions of reputable international organizations, while also emphasizing that certain governments continue to dispute those evaluations and that associated international legal actions are still ongoing.

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