This Photo Was Shot in Lebanon, Not Hebron in 1932
The Claim
A vintage photo shows Palestinian students graduating from a school in Hebron in 1932.
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Emerging story
Recently, pro-Palestinian social media users shared an old photo purporting to feature Palestinian students graduating from a school in Hebron in the year 1932.
On Twitter, users shared a caption alongside the photo, stating, "Palestinian school graduates in Hebron in 1932."
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar investigated the circulating photo and found the claim to be misleading.
A thorough reverse image search revealed the photo making the rounds to be unrelated to Palestine, as claimed.
The Photo Was Shot in Lebanon in 1940, Not in Hebron Palestine
The circulating claims are false; the photo was not taken in Hebron in 1932. Rather, it was shot in Lebanon in 1940.
The photographer, Sepia Times, took the photo for Universal Images Group via Getty Images.
According to the photo’s caption, the original photograph features students on the stairs of Mr. Oliver's school, located in Ras-el-Matn town, Lebanon.
The Library of Congress also uploaded the same photo with the title "Mr. Oliver's school, Ras-el-Matn. School front on steps, taken from the front digital file from the original." The details indicate that the photo was taken at Mr. Oliver's school in Ras-el-Matn, Lebanon, during the period between 1940 and 1946.
Mr. Oliver's School, Lebanon
Mr. Oliver's school is situated in Ras-el-Matn, within the Baabda District of the Mount Lebanon Governorate.
The school building's architectural features enhance the overall composition, showcasing the enduring skill of Lebanese craftsmanship. The stone facade stands tall amidst the lush green surroundings, creating a serene and inviting scene.
Picture websites have uploaded numerous archival photos showcasing both the exterior and interior of Mr. Oliver's school in Ras-el-Matn.
Education in Palestine
Education in the State of Palestine refers to the educational system in both the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, which falls under the administration of the Palestinian Ministry of Education and Higher Education.
Regarding the perspective of gender, there are three types of schools in Palestine as of 2008: boys' schools comprising 37% of the total, girls' schools making up 35%, and co-educational schools accounting for 29%.
Palestine boasts several long-standing schools, including the Ramallah Friends School, which strives to be a leading educational institution within the Palestinian community. The Lower School was established in 1869, and the Upper School followed in 1901, with the shared purpose of providing Palestinian youth with a challenging curriculum guided by Quaker principles.
According to uniRank, the University College of Science and Technology, established in 1990, holds the distinction of being recognized as the oldest university in Palestine. The university is located in the urban setting of the medium-sized city of Khan Yunis.
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