ntroduction Since the Houthi Ansar Allah movement's 2015 takeover of Yemen's capital Sana'a and other parts of the country, the Houthis have adopted extremist curricula glorifying jihad and martyrdom and emphasizing hatred for the U.S., Israel, and the Jews. One method of indoctrination is inculcating the Houthi motto "Death to America, Death to Israel, Cursed be the Jews, Victory to Islam" in children attending schools and summer camps controlled by the Houthis.[1] This motto is also promoted by the Houthi children's magazine Jihad.
Furthermore, children in these frameworks are exposed to anti-U.S. incitement, including in activities involving stepping on the U.S. flag, memorizing texts calling for jihad against the U.S., and more. They are also exposed to cultural activity promoting martyrdom such as Martyrs Week and visits to graves of Houthis killed in the war. These educational programs are aimed at encouraging them to join the Houthi fighters – and it is reported that since 2014 over 15,000 children have done just that.[2]
This report will review Houthi indoctrination of children in Yemen.
Passage For Reading Aloud In Schoolbook For Houthi Summer Camp: When A Nation Loves Martyrdom, Its Enemies Cannot Frighten It
A schoolbook used at summer camps for 2019 includes a passage to be read aloud which has the children repeat phrases praising martyrdom and jihad:
"The martyrs are seekers of justice. They devote themselves to the torments of death for the sake of justice everywhere."
"Jihad is one of the gates to Paradise which Allah has opened for his most beloved."
"Martyrdom is the immense honor granted by Allah to his beloved believers."
"When a nation loves martyrdom, its enemies have nothing which can frighten it."
"The martyrs have promoted an exalted Islam which rejects oppression and does not create men who surrender to tyranny or worship falsehood."
"The motto [i.e. 'Death to America, Death to Israel, Cursed be the Jews, Victory to Islam'] is a declaration of a stand against the enemies of Allah that clarifies that we consider them enemies and arouses rage against America and Israel."[3]
Another Passage For Reading Aloud: Jihad Is "Immense Grace" Through Which U.S., Israel, And Their Agents Will Be Vanquished
The same schoolbook features another passage to be read aloud by the children, titled "Jihad for the Sake of Allah," which states: "Jihad for the sake of Allah is one of the gates to Paradise... It is immense grace. Allah has commanded jihad for His sake and promised us assistance and support, as is written in the Quran [22:40]: '...And Allah will surely support those who support Him...' Through jihad for the sake of Allah, the mujaheed believer [Muslim] is granted Allah's satisfaction and achieves greatness, victory, support, or martyrdom for the sake of Allah, to be able to live close to Allah [and enjoy] high status, and to enter Paradise.
"Through jihad, the believers [Muslims] vanquish their enemies – America, Israel, and their agents – and the homelands are freed of the tyrants and criminals. Through [jihad,] the truth will triumph and the lie will lose and be vanquished. Let us embark upon jihad for the sake of Allah so that we will be among His supporters!"
The children are then asked to answer the following questions: "What is the most immense grace? Has Allah commanded us to go out to wage jihad for His sake? What did Allah promise us if we wage jihad for His sake? How do we achieve greatness and victory? What do the martyrs [who die] for Allah receive?"[4]
