article backend deployment test-MOE lessons on Israel-Hamas conflict aim to help students reflect on safeguarding cohesion, respecting diverse views: Chan Chun Sing

Mr Chan’s remarks come after concerns arose online this week about what schools are teaching students about the conflict in Gaza. 

Some of the posts claimed that students were presented with a narrative that was not neutral or objective as it only covered the developments from October, without giving a historical context of the wider conflict between Israel and Palestine that dates back several decades.

The posts also claimed that teachers were not allowed to give further input beyond what was prescribed to them.

In response to queries from TODAY, the ministry said on Friday that teachers do not impose their personal views, "nor do they advocate for the interests of any particular parties involved in the conflict".

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For younger students, the lessons hone in on empathy for the victims of the conflict, while lessons for older students also focus on verification of information sources and appreciating diversity in perspectives, said MOE. 

First, to help them understand their own emotions and empathise with others and second, to reflect on how to safeguard cohesion and harmony in a multiracial society.

The lessons also aim to help students learn how to verify information sources before sharing them responsibly, and to “appreciate the diversity of views and conduct conversations sensitively and respectfully”. 

The lessons also aim to help students learn how to verify information sources before sharing them responsibly, and to “appreciate the diversity of views and conduct conversations sensitively and respectfully”. 

The lessons also aim to help students learn how to verify information sources before sharing them responsibly, and to “appreciate the diversity of views and conduct conversations sensitively and respectfully”. 

“Though this conflict may be geographically further away, we work very hard to not let this divide us or allow it to fragment our social fabric and hard-earned harmony,” added Mr Chan. 

“We must understand Singapore’s vulnerabilities and interests, and work hard to preserve our cohesion, mutual tolerance and acceptance, and find ways to preserve our multi-racial and multi-religious harmony,” he said, noting that education must contribute towards this goal. 

"It pains us, including our young, who feel for humanity. We hope and pray for peace. Not just a temporary ceasefire, or the end of the conflict only, but a long-term solution: A two-state solution where Palestinians and Israelis can live in peace. This is not easy, to say the least. Many have tried and failed, but what other choice is there?"This is why Singapore has joined many countries in the UN to support calls for a ceasefire and humanitarian support to the victims, and support calls for a long-term two-state solution, no matter how hard it is to achieve it."

In response to concerns that some teachers may feel conflicted that the CCE lessons may be against their personal beliefs, Mr Chan said this conversation topic had come up in MOE’s internal sessions. 

The minister said MOE held discussions at length since the outbreak of the latest round of conflict last October. The considerations were how to guide students and what materials to curate for different levels to help them understand in age-appropriate ways. 

“All of us, teachers and principals, acknowledge the challenges and risks involved. I must credit them for the conviction to do this well, despite the challenges, for the sake of our children and country. To help our children understand complex issues happening around the world today,” said Mr Chan.