Scotland: School children asked for homework on 'the right of Palestinians to use terrorism'

A Scottish council has apologised after a primary school distributed homework which asked the children to describe "Palestinian terrorist activity".

Parents of pupils at New Stevenston Primary School in Motherwell expressed their anger after a homework sheet given to their children stated "Palestinians feel they have the RIGHT to use terrorism against Israelis" and asked to give two reason why they might feel this.

The question, formed as a part of case study entitled Separatists, also asked the children, aged around 11, to give two examples of "Palestinian terrorist activity".

North Lanarkshire Council, who produced the worksheet, has now apologised for the "entirely inappropriate" description of Palestinians and said they will ensure the question will no longer be used.

A spokesperson added: "The homework material used was taken from a teaching pack which is now obsolete. We are contacting all schools to ensure this particular material is no longer used.

"The description of Palestinian people is entirely inappropriate and we apologise unreservedly for the offence caused.

"The topic is explored by pupils as part of the social studies programme People, Past Events and Societies and this includes conflict situations around the world. This topic aims to gives pupils a greater understanding of the nature of different conflicts and their regional, global and historical significance and does not pass any judgement on the subject."

The issue arose after Aliyah Shafiq, whose sister attends the primary school, posted an image of the "completely unacceptable" homework assignment onto her Facebook page and urged people to complain to the council.

A Palestinian group condemned the question as an attempt by the council to "demonise" them.

Dr Essam Hijjawi, chair of the Association of Palestinian Communities in Scotland, said: "The Separatists case study given to children as homework demonstrates a fundamentally flawed reading of history and geography. It flies in the face of countless UN resolutions and shows an ignorance which beggars belief.

"We ask that all materials used in schools relating to the teaching of the history of Palestine is discussed between Education Scotland and the Palestinian community."

The Israeli embassy in London said the homework task was "abhorrent". A spokesperson added: "It is deeply hurtful to Israelis affected by terrorist attacks, a betrayal of Palestinians who stand up against terrorist groups, and above all an educational and moral abuse of the young students themselves."