For the first time: Educational approach to the phenomenon of violence in Arab society — through animals

First publication: How to reduce violence and strengthen sensitivity to animals, even before the age of 12? The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the Ministry of Education, and the Shamir Institute are launching a unique educational program to foster compassion, responsibility, and appropriate treatment of animals among students in the Arab, Druze, and Bedouin communities. After a pilot phase of the program succeeded in elementary schools in Ramle and Baqa al-Gharbiyye last school year, in the coming year, animal welfare lessons will be taught in about 500 4th-6th grade classes, reaching 15,000 students.

The idea behind the program is to promote educational and awareness processes that are culturally adapted, both in terms of content and language, against the backdrop of dealing with the rising phenomenon of violence in Arab society. Education for compassion and appropriate treatment of animals is part of a broader concept of non-violence education and strengthening emotional tools among children. Studies show that there is a close link between fostering compassion for animals and reducing violence in society in general, improving children's self-confidence, and increasing their emotional well-being.

The program, which will be implemented in 4th-6th grades, and in some educational institutions also in 7th-8th grades, will take the form of a regular weekly lesson taught over two full school years. It will integrate theoretical study, discussions, creative work, meetings with an animal-assisted therapist, tours to designated sites, and peak days where schools will present their educational work to distinguished guests. Among the topics to be studied: understanding body language and the needs of animals, responsibility in raising pets, proper treatment of street animals, and developing environmental sensitivity. The program will also incorporate cultural and religious background relevant to the Arab, Druze, and Bedouin communities. In parallel, the HTI Science and Technology Center in Majdal Shams, operating under the Shamir Institute, will conduct research among participating students in the Druze community to evaluate the program's effectiveness in changing attitudes toward animals, as well as in reducing violence in participating schools.

Dr. Chen Hanig, Director of the Animal Welfare Division at the Veterinary Services of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, says:

"Through the program, we achieve a double goal: reducing harm to animal welfare and reducing violence in schools. The program is intended to promote a process of awareness and education among populations that are not exposed to this on a regular basis, while adapting the content to the cultural and linguistic context. Students will be introduced to the world of pets, learn about responsibility and sensitivity to other living creatures, and through them develop emotional tools such as empathy, compassion, and responsibility toward others."